American presidents have come from all walks of life, and wealth is not the deciding factor in political success. The homes of our leaders have ranged from grand mansions to one-room log cabins. Of the 42 men who reached the presidential power of The White House, one quarter were born into wealth and privilege. Another eight were born into lowly circumstances, while the remainder grew up in middle class neighborhoods.

The centerpiece of this exhibit was a magnificent scale replica of George Washington's estate, " Mount Vernon in Miniature." Additional architectural models and drawings, exquisite interior rooms in miniature, full-size furniture, household possessions and personal mementos completed this peek into presidential roots.

Follow our Virtual Exhibit for a glimpse into the private homes and lives of each of our presidents by clicking on the following categories:

• HUMBLE BEGINNINGS : eight presidents who rose up from poverty
• TO THE MANOR BORN : ten presidents who were born into privilege
• MIDDLE CLASS ROOTS : twenty-three presidents from middle class backgrounds

PLEASE NOTE PORTRAIT CREDITS: Rights to the photographs of all presidential portraits in this exhibit belong to the White House Historical Association. The portraits themselves are public property. They were published in The Presidents of the United States of America by Frank Freidel, contributing author Hugh S. Sidey, published by the White House Historical Association with the cooperation of the National Geographic Society, Washington D.C.

Click on the following categories to view models and artifacts in our exhibit:
•  MINIATURE MODELS
•  PRESIDENTIAL ARTIFACTS

Artifacts were graciously loaned by private collectors, other presidential libraries, presidential homes and historic sites.
•  LIST OF LENDERS

THANK YOU TO OUR EXHIBIT SPONSORS!
The Roy J. Carver Trust
William B. Quarton
The Herbert Hoover Foundation of Iowa
The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Association

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