Early History
Historically, the White House has offered tours to the general public. During the Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover, and Franklin D. Roosevelt administrations, the general public could see the ground floor hallways and the East Room. Those blessed to have a special card given by a United States Senator could additionally see the three state parlors on the first floor — Green Room, Blue Room, Red Room — as well as the State Dining Room.
The White House was closed during U.S. participation in World War II. Upon reopening in November 1946, the Truman administration decided to open all the aforementioned areas to all tour visitors, no Senator needed. But as would always be the case, the real working areas of the White House, such as the Oval Office, were not included on tours, nor were upper floor residential areas. A schedule was established: tours took place between 10 o'clock and noon, Tuesday through Saturday, with desiring visitors lining up outside the East Gate. About a half million people a year visited, until the operation was shut down in November 1948 for a major renovation of the entire structure.
Tours were restarted in April 1952. In charge of them at that time was the Chief Usher of the White House.
Tours were suspended following the November 22, 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy, but based upon the request of Jacqueline Kennedy, were resumed seven days later.
Read more about this topic: White House Visitors Office
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