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Articles on American presidents

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‘Our machines have now been running for 70. or 80. years,’ an old Thomas Jefferson, right, wrote to an even older John Adams, left. Photo12/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

80 is different in 2023 than in 1776 – but even back then, a grizzled Franklin led alongside a young Hamilton

Americans have long nurtured mixed feelings about age and aged leaders. Yet during the country’s founding, a young America admired venerable old sages.
Mary Washington helped her son develop into the leader he became. While her son was the subject of several portrait artists, there is no record that Mary ever was. Stock Montage/Getty Images

Mary Ball Washington, George’s single mother, often gets overlooked – but she’s well worth saluting

Mary Washington raised George and his four siblings mainly alone, imbuing in George many of his best traits. Historians have focused instead on George’s complaints about her.
President Donald Trump speaks during a Hanukkah reception at the White House in 2019. AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta

How Hanukkah came to be an annual White House celebration

For much of American history, the only December holiday to be recognized in the White House was Christmas, but menorah lightings are now an annual tradition.

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