🏛️ The East Wing: The Heart of the People’s House

The East Wing of the White House often lives in the shadow of its more famous counterpart, the West Wing. While the West Wing houses the Oval Office and the President’s senior staff, the East Wing has its own rich and fascinating story one that reflects the evolving role of the First Lady, the American family, and the people who work behind the scenes.

The East Wing as we know it today was first added in 1942, during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency. It wasn’t built for grandeur but out of necessity. The U.S. was at war, and the White House needed a secure place for visitors to enter and for the First Lady’s staff to operate. Beneath it, a bomb shelter known as the Presidential Emergency Operations Center (PEOC) was secretly constructed.

Over time, the East Wing became known as the First Lady’s domain. From Eleanor Roosevelt’s press conferences for women reporters to Jacqueline Kennedy’s restoration projects and Michelle Obama’s initiatives for healthy families, the East Wing has served as a symbol of grace, influence, and modern leadership.

Today, the East Wing also contains the Visitor’s Entrance, the First Lady’s offices, and the White House Social Office, which manages everything from state dinners to holiday decorations.

In short, while the West Wing may be the seat of power, the East Wing is the soul of hospitality and humanity the part of the White House that touches the American people most directly.