02/16/2026
Presidents' Day - so let's talk White House bees. 🇺🇸
George Washington's honey bees were kept at Mount Vernon, as most colonial farms relied on honey and beeswax for everyday life.
Thomas Jefferson kept honey bees at Monticello. Jefferson studied agriculture and natural science, and honey bees were part of early American farming culture.
In 2009, during the presidency of Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama started the White House Kitchen Garden and added a beehive on the South Lawn.
White House carpenter Charlie Brandts cared for the hive for many years until he retired.
Today, honey bees are part of the White House garden program. Care is shared among grounds staff and coordinated with the White House Executive Pastry Chef, who even uses the raw honey in desserts and for special events.
White House honey has been served at state dinners 🇺🇸🍯
From colonial farms to the South Lawn of the White House, honey bees have quietly supported American agriculture, food systems, and gardens for centuries.
Oh, how I would love the opportunity to visit the White House bees.
⏩Parents and homeschool families, if you are looking for a child-friendly free printable pdf activity sheet for Presidents' Day, head over to the website.
https://spreadingthebuzz.com/
(printable on the home page)
Link in comments