The Irish Times

James Hoban

The life and work of Kilkenny architect James Hoban, who designed America's most famous building, the White House, is to be celebrated by a transatlantic programme of events. The James Hoban societies in Ireland and the United States will be hosting events to mark the 175th anniversary of his death this year and the 250th anniversary of his birth in 2008. At the Irish launch in Kilkenny, chairman of the Ireland branch Laurie Grace said "the goal is to show how a young man who learned his trade locally went on to blaze a trail for many other Irish architects, surveyors, engineers and craftsmen not only in America but throughout the world". The commemorations begin with a symposium organised by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government at Kilkenny Castle later this month, with speakers including William Seale, author of the definitive history of the White House.