Requesting a tour of the White House is a unique opportunity to witness history firsthand. However, securing a tour requires careful planning and a well-crafted request letter. The White House tour request process involves contacting your Member of Congress and submitting a formal request. A polite, professional, and informative letter significantly increases your chances of success. This article provides sample letters and valuable tips to help you navigate the process effectively.
Your letter should clearly state your purpose, the dates you plan to visit Washington, D.C., and the number of people in your party. Include relevant information, such as any connection you have to your Member of Congress’s district or state, or any special reason you wish to visit the White House. Remember to proofread your letter carefully for any errors in grammar or spelling. A well-written letter demonstrates your attention to detail and respect for the institution.
Timing is crucial. Tour requests are typically accepted no earlier than three months in advance and no later than 21 days prior to your desired visit date. Due to high demand, it’s advisable to submit your request as early as possible. Be flexible with your dates, as specific time slots are not guaranteed. Remember to provide your full name, address, phone number, and email address so that your Member of Congress’s office can easily contact you.
While a well-written letter is important, keep in mind that the White House tour request process is competitive. Not all requests are granted. However, by following these guidelines and presenting a compelling case, you can significantly increase your chances of experiencing a tour of this iconic landmark. Good luck!
13 White House Tour Request Sample Letters
Sample Letter 1: General Request
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
The Honorable [Member of Congress’s Name]
[Member of Congress’s Office Address]
Dear Representative [Member of Congress’s Last Name],
I am writing to request assistance in obtaining a tour of the White House during my visit to Washington, D.C., from [Start Date] to [End Date]. My party consists of [Number] people. We are deeply interested in American history and would be honored to tour this iconic landmark.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I appreciate your assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 2: Emphasizing Local Connection
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
The Honorable [Member of Congress’s Name]
[Member of Congress’s Office Address]
Dear Representative [Member of Congress’s Last Name],
As a constituent of [District Number] in [State], I am writing to request your assistance in securing a tour of the White House during my family’s visit to Washington, D.C., between [Start Date] and [End Date]. There will be [Number] of us in our group. My children are studying American history and are very excited about this trip.
Thank you for your attention to this request. We greatly appreciate your service to our community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 3: Request for a Specific Date (If Possible)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
The Honorable [Member of Congress’s Name]
[Member of Congress’s Office Address]
Dear Representative [Member of Congress’s Last Name],
I am writing to request assistance in obtaining a tour of the White House on [Specific Date], if possible. I will be visiting Washington, D.C., with [Number] guests from [Start Date] to [End Date]. I understand that specific dates cannot be guaranteed, but I would greatly appreciate it if you could try to accommodate my request for this particular day.
Thank you for your efforts. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 4: Mentioning a Special Occasion
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
The Honorable [Member of Congress’s Name]
[Member of Congress’s Office Address]
Dear Representative [Member of Congress’s Last Name],
I am writing to request assistance in obtaining a tour of the White House during our visit to Washington, D.C., from [Start Date] to [End Date]. This trip is to celebrate my [Relative]’s [Age]th birthday/graduation/anniversary and a tour of the White House would make it even more special. There will be [Number] of us.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We appreciate your dedication to our community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 5: Group Tour Request
[Your Name]
[Your Title, e.g., Teacher]
[School/Organization Name]
[School/Organization Address]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
The Honorable [Member of Congress’s Name]
[Member of Congress’s Office Address]
Dear Representative [Member of Congress’s Last Name],
I am writing on behalf of [School/Organization Name] to request assistance in obtaining a tour of the White House for our group of [Number] students/members during our visit to Washington, D.C., from [Start Date] to [End Date]. Our students are [Grade Level/Age Range] and are studying [Subject, e.g., American History].
We believe that a tour of the White House would be an invaluable educational experience for our students. Thank you for considering our request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 6: Focus on Educational Value
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
The Honorable [Member of Congress’s Name]
[Member of Congress’s Office Address]
Dear Representative [Member of Congress’s Last Name],
My family and I are planning a trip to Washington D.C. from [Start Date] to [End Date] and would be thrilled if we could secure a tour of the White House. There are [Number] of us in total, including two children who are deeply engaged in their history studies. A visit to the White House would significantly enhance their understanding of American governance and history.
Thank you for considering our request. We appreciate the work you do for our community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 7: Highlighting a Personal Connection to Public Service
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
The Honorable [Member of Congress’s Name]
[Member of Congress’s Office Address]
Dear Representative [Member of Congress’s Last Name],
As a constituent deeply involved in [mention relevant community service or organization], I am writing to request your assistance in obtaining a tour of the White House. My family and I will be visiting Washington D.C. from [Start Date] to [End Date], and a tour would be a significant highlight of our trip. There are [Number] members in our party. Given my commitment to public service, seeing the heart of American democracy firsthand would be especially meaningful.
Thank you for your attention to this request and for your continued service.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 8: Request for Elderly or Disabled Individuals
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
The Honorable [Member of Congress’s Name]
[Member of Congress’s Office Address]
Dear Representative [Member of Congress’s Last Name],
I am writing to request assistance in arranging a White House tour for my family, including my [Relationship, e.g., mother] who is [Age] years old and [mention any mobility limitations, if applicable]. We plan to visit Washington D.C. from [Start Date] to [End Date], and there will be [Number] people in our group. We are hopeful a tour can be arranged with appropriate accommodations for elderly/disabled visitors.
Thank you for your consideration and assistance in making this trip accessible.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 9: Second Request (If First Was Unsuccessful)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
The Honorable [Member of Congress’s Name]
[Member of Congress’s Office Address]
Dear Representative [Member of Congress’s Last Name],
I am writing to follow up on my previous request for assistance in obtaining a tour of the White House, which I submitted on [Date of First Request]. My family and I are still planning to visit Washington D.C. from [Start Date] to [End Date], and would greatly appreciate any help in securing a tour. There will be [Number] individuals in our group. We understand tours are limited and appreciate any assistance you can provide.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 10: Acknowledging the Congressman’s Role
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
The Honorable [Member of Congress’s Name]
[Member of Congress’s Office Address]
Dear Representative [Member of Congress’s Last Name],
I am writing to request your assistance, as our elected representative, in obtaining a tour of the White House during our visit to Washington, D.C., from [Start Date] to [End Date]. Our group consists of [Number] people and we are all deeply interested in American history and politics. We understand that your office is instrumental in facilitating these tours for constituents.
Thank you for considering our request and for the valuable service you provide to our community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 11: Offering Flexibility with Dates
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
The Honorable [Member of Congress’s Name]
[Member of Congress’s Office Address]
Dear Representative [Member of Congress’s Last Name],
My family and I are planning a trip to Washington D.C. and would love to visit the White House. We are flexible with our dates between [Start Date] and [End Date] and hope this increases our chances for a tour. There will be [Number] people in our group. We understand how busy the White House tour schedule is and are willing to work around available slots.
Thank you for any help you can provide.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 12: Mentioning a School Project
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
The Honorable [Member of Congress’s Name]
[Member of Congress’s Office Address]
Dear Representative [Member of Congress’s Last Name],
My child, [Child’s Name], is currently working on a school project about the American Presidency and would benefit immensely from a White House tour. We are planning a trip to Washington D.C. from [Start Date] to [End Date]. Our group consists of [Number] people. This experience would be invaluable for their education.
Thank you for considering our request and supporting our children’s education.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 13: Simplified and Direct Request
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
The Honorable [Member of Congress’s Name]
[Member of Congress’s Office Address]
Dear Representative [Member of Congress’s Last Name],
I am writing to request assistance in obtaining a tour of the White House for my family during our visit to Washington, D.C., between [Start Date] and [End Date]. There will be [Number] people in our party. Any assistance you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
While there’s no guarantee of securing a White House tour, these sample letters provide a solid foundation for crafting your request. Remember to personalize your letter, highlight your connection to your Member of Congress, and be flexible with your dates. Following these tips will significantly improve your chances of experiencing a memorable visit to this historic landmark. Good luck!
