Lillian Rogers Parks facts for kids

Lillian Rogers Parks (born February 1, 1897 – died November 6, 1997) was an American housemaid and seamstress who worked at the White House. She spent many years helping the First Families.

Lillian Rogers Parks: A White House Story

Lillian Rogers Parks was a special person who worked for many United States presidents. She was a seamstress, meaning she sewed and mended clothes. She also worked as a housemaid, helping to keep the White House clean and organized. Her work gave her a unique look into the lives of the presidents and their families.

Working at the White House

Lillian worked at the White House for a long time. She saw many changes and met many important people. Her job as a seamstress meant she helped with clothing for the presidents and their families. As a housemaid, she helped with daily tasks to keep the large White House running smoothly.

A Family Tradition

Lillian's mother, named 'Maggie' Rogers, also worked at the White House. Maggie was a housemaid for thirty years. This means that both Lillian and her mother served the presidents and their families for many decades. It was a unique family connection to American history.

Sharing Her Story

Lillian Rogers Parks wanted to share her experiences. She worked with a journalist named Frances Spatz Leighton to write books about her time at the White House.

Books About the White House

One of her most famous books is My Thirty Years Backstairs at the White House. This book tells the story of the people who worked behind the scenes at the White House for 50 years. It shares Lillian's own experiences as a seamstress. It also tells about her mother's time as a housemaid. The book gives readers a special look at daily life in the White House from the viewpoint of the staff. She also wrote another book called The Roosevelts: A Family in Turmoil in 1981, also with Frances Spatz Leighton.

On Screen: A Miniseries

Lillian's life and her book were so interesting that they were made into a TV show! She was played by the actress Leslie Uggams in a 1979 miniseries called Backstairs at the White House. This show helped even more people learn about her important work.

Special Recognition

During her time at the White House, Lillian received many gifts from the presidents she served. These gifts were very special. They later became important historical items. They are now part of collections that help us remember presidential history. Lillian was also an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, which is a special organization for women.