Archive Profiles White House Workers Including Enslaved Laborers

The White House Historical Association and the Rubenstein Center have launched the White House Workers History Project, an online archive recognizing thousands of people who have helped run the White House across its history. Drawing on six years of research, the project features archival records, photographs, family and oral histories, and profiles of workers such as chefs, gardeners, housekeepers, doormen, and engineers. It also highlights the often-overlooked history of enslaved people, whom at least nine presidents relied on. Among the workers profiled are longtime butler and maître d’ George W. Hannie and Cristeta “Cris” Comerford, who served as executive chef under five presidents before retiring in 2024.