How the White House Easter Egg Roll Has Changed Over 146 Years

A boy holds the hand of a younger girl at the first White House Easter Egg Roll in Washington D.C.

Children on the lawn of the White House during William McKinley’s presidency, taking part in the annual Easter Egg Roll.

Thousands of children and their parents gathered on the White House lawn to take part in the greatest Easter Egg rolling contest Washington had ever seen at the time.

First Lady Grace Coolidge holds up her pet raccoon, Rebecca, for a crowd of children at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll.

President Hoover turned over the south grounds of the Executive Mansion for the annual Easter Egg Roll.

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and her granddaughter Sistie stroll through the crowd during the Easter event.

President Eisenhower welcomed these three sisters and other Washington children to the White House lawn for the annual Easter festivities.

These kids were among the thousands of children who attended the 1956 Easter Egg Roll.

Youngsters rolled their eggs during the 1961 egg roll despite the absence of the star attractions, President Kennedy and his family.

Several hundred children and their parents braved a spring drizzle to take part in the traditional Easter Egg Roll, hosted by President Lyndon B. Johnson.

President Ronald Reagan and Mrs. Reagan, surrounded by bunnies and children at the 1982 Easter Egg Roll.

First lady Nancy Reagan hugs a participant as President Reagan signs Easter eggs.

Vice President George Bush and Mrs. Bush get hugs from Easter bunnies.

President Bush helps granddaughter Ellie with her egg.

President Bill Clinton blows the whistle to begin the 1993 egg roll.

President Bill and Hillary Rodham Clinton with a bunny couple at the 1995 Easter Egg Roll.

This year’s White House Easter festivities included the egg roll, story telling, historical re-enactments, musical performances, and other entertainment.