Originally published on April 8, 2020 (Episode 154)
Introduction
The Presidential Cabinet has, it would seem, been a reality of the American republic since soon after its foundation. Yet while executive departments are mentioned in the Constitution, the Cabinet is not. And while the heads of departments were present—or soon to arrive—in New York City when Washington took the first inaugural oath, they did not function as an institution until later.
With me today to discuss George Washington’s cabinet, its personalities and personality, its history, and its legacy, is Lindsay M. Chervinsky. Listeners to the podcast will remember that in Episode 118 she and I talked about this book and the research she had done for it, while carefully avoiding as best as we could actually discussing the material of the book. Now the book is finished and published: it’s called, surprisingly enough, The Cabinet: George Washington and the Creation of an American Institution, published this week by Harvard University Press.
Curiously enough, the painting on the cover of Lindsay’s book is the only depiction of Washington’s cabinet. Far from being a contemporary painting, it is the cover of a cigar box manufactured in Grand Rapids, Michigan. That’s why Henry Knox is named “Hendrick.” A Dutch Calvinist cigar box cover depicting George Washington’s cabinet; it’s a strange and wonderful country.
About the Guest
Lindsay M. Chervinsky is Executive Director of the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon and a historian of the American presidency, political culture, and government institutions. Her writing has appeared in numerous scholarly and public outlets, and she is a frequent speaker on early American politics and the presidency.
Shownotes
Lindsay M. Chervinsky, The Cabinet: George Washington and the Creation of an American Institution (Harvard University Press, 2020)
Episode 118 of Historically Thinking with Lindsay Chervinsky (on researching The Cabinet)
Listen & Discuss
What stands out to you in this episode? Share your thoughts in the comments below — and consider forwarding this post to a friend who would enjoy the conversation.
Share this post