The University of Notre Dame Australia recently had the honour of welcoming Mr. Stewart McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association, to its Fremantle and Sydney campuses for a series of engaging lectures.
Mr. McLaurin has played a crucial role in extending the reach of the association through innovative educational programs, a popular video series, and the curation of award-winning publications. His tenure has significantly advanced the public’s understanding of the White House's history and its cultural importance.
The visit, part of a broader Australian tour that also included a visit to Canberra, was organised in close collaboration with the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia (AmCham) and included public lectures, school visits and community engagement activities. On the occasion of this visit, the WHHA President also had the opportunity to tour the Australian Federal and State official residences; Government House in Canberra, Admiralty House in Sydney, and Government Houses in Perth and Sydney. Mr McLaurin also met for talks with his counterpart in Australia, Chair of The Australiana Fund, Ms Jennifer Sanders.
The public lecture series centered around important developments in Modern History, design and architecture and their impacts on the The White House and highlighted the importance of historical preservation. In Fremantle, his lecture "Five Chapters of White House History" provided over two centuries’ worth of rich narratives tied to the iconic American building. The Sydney audience was treated to "Designing Camelot”, a detailed look at First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy's significant contributions to The White House and her establishment of The White House Historical Association during the Kennedy administration.
These events of Mr McLaurin’s visit drew the attendance of students, staff, Directors and Trustees and friends of the University, as well as prominent leaders, including the Mayor of Fremantle, Hannah Fitzhardinge and Ms April Palmerlee, AmCham Chief Executive Officer.
As the University continues to foster these valuable educational and cultural connections, the insights shared by Mr. McLaurin will undoubtedly continue to inspire and inform future discussions and studies within our academic community.
Media Contact: media@nd.edu.au