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Related Databases
Use these resources from home, school, or work with a Chicago Public Library card.
*Biography Resource Center » teen pick
Read biographies of the persons who were on stage at the swearing-in ceremony on January 20, including Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Dianne Feinstein, Rick Warren, Aretha Franklin, Elizabeth Alexander, Joseph E. Lowery, John Paul Stevens, and John G. Roberts, Jr. Biographies of past presidents and vice presidents are available as well.
*American National Biography »
Find authoritative biographies of all deceased presidents and vice presidents including evaluative discussions of books for further reading at the end of each biography.
Chicago Tribune Historical Archive (1849-1986) »
Read contemporary accounts of presidential inaugurations, from Abraham Lincoln's first inaugural address to Jacqueline Kennedy's inaugural ball gown, in the pages of the Chicago Tribune.
*History Database Search » teen pick
Find articles from sources such as the Encyclopedia of the American Presidency (for example, "Presidential Inaugurations"), images of presidents--including many from Inauguration Day (for example, "Abraham Lincoln Delivers His First Inaugural Address"), and the text of inaugural addresses in this resource for students of history.
* - database is included in the Quick Search above.
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Helpful Websites
- "I Do Solemnly Swear...": Presidential Inaugurations »
Search this online historical collection of diaries and letters of presidents and of those who witnessed inaugurations, handwritten drafts of inaugural addresses, images of inaugural tickets and programs, prints, photographs, and sheet music from past Inauguration Day ceremonies.
- The American Presidency Project »
Search thousands of documents from U.S. presidents from 1789 to the present, including inaugural addresses, press briefings, signing statements, and debates. You can also check out historical presidential approval ratings from 1941 to the present, and listen to Franklin D. Roosevelt's Fireside Chats as well as the President's weekly radio addresses from 1982 to the present. Recently added is a transcript of Obama's inaugural address.
- The White House »
President Theodore Roosevelt began calling the president's residence the "White House" in 1901. On the official website of the White House, you can learn about the history of the White House, members of the current administration, and past presidents.