Yesterday history was made in an exciting and emotional election here in the United States. American voters came out in record numbers to elect the country’s first black president. It’s a time of renewed hope that truly anything is possible, and it’s a time to look ahead to a new era in the political landscape. It’s also time for President-elect Obama and his family to start thinking about what it’s going to feel like to live in a haunted house.
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., the address of a very famous and very haunted house, better known as the White House. It’s where the President lives and works while serving in the executive branch of government. This majestic building holds the Presidents’ family, pets, and a large staff of butlers, chefs, security, and other workers. About 100 people work to keep the White House running — people who are employed by the government and have a job to do regardless of which political party’s candidate is President. The White House has room for parties, meetings, important government events, and, according to many reports… it also has room for ghosts.
A few weeks ago, my new book, Who’s Haunting the White House?: The President’s Mansion and the Ghosts Who Live There was published. My first book for younger readers (ages 10 and up), the book explores the haunted history of one of America’s most famous buildings. President-elect Obama will be joining a long and prestigious list of Presidents who have lived and worked in this incredible and haunted building.
Will the ghost of President Lincoln pay Obama a visit? Will some of the many other historic ghostly figures from Abigail Adams to Andrew Jackson make some kind of appearance during the next administration? Time will surely tell. I’m sure, like other Presidents, President Obama will take some comfort knowing the spirits from the past are still around to keep an eye on the country they loved so dearly.
Congratulations to President-elect Obama. If you need any help with the ghosts who still lurk in your new home, call me!