Since 1800, thousands of dedicated workers have labored behind the scenes to help the White House fulfill its roles as a seat of government, a family residence, and a historic site. On Thursday, October 29th, join White House Historical Association historian Sarah Fling as she highlights lesser-known stories of White House workers throughout history, including the men and women who worked for President James Buchanan.

Sarah Fling is a historian at the White House Historical Association. Her research focuses on free and enslaved workers, the first ladies, and the White House Collection. Fling is a contributor in The Cambridge Companion to US First Ladies (2025) and has published her research in White House History Quarterly and Teen Vogue. She serves on the Board of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, and previously served as a Community Lead in the Youth250 Bureau, a non-partisan initiative that highlighted the Gen Z perspective during America’s 250th. Sarah’s previous work experience includes internships at historic sites such as George Washington’s Mount Vernon and the Frick Pittsburgh. She received her bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Pittsburgh and her master’s in Public History from American University.

This event is expected to take place in person at the LancasterHistory Museum & Research Center on Thursday, October 29, 2026. Doors open and the reception begins at 5pm. The lecture will begin at 5:30pm.