Whether or not you’re able to tour the White House, try to stop here for a behind-the-scenes understanding of the history and everyday life inside the executive mansion. Its wide range of intriguing offerings includes a 14-minute film, “White House: Reflections from Within,” featuring the personal stories of the current and former First Family occupants; interactive exhibits that allow you to explore inside and outside the White House with a touch of the screen; and exhibits of some 100 artifacts, like the mahogany desk that White House architect James Hoban fashioned out of the wood scraps left over from the construction of the building. National Park Service rangers staff the information desks and hand out White House touring pamphlets that you’ll find helpful for your White House visit. The White House Historical Association has a the gift shop here (a great place to purchase mementos and presents, like the annually designed White House Christmas tree ornament). And here’s a fact you might just want to know: The center has public restrooms.