The Dark Side of the White House: Scandals and Tragedies in US Presidential History

From the nation’s founding to today, American presidents and their families have lived under intense public scrutiny, experiencing both extraordinary triumphs and heartbreaking losses. 

This lecture by speaker Brian Armstrong explores the Presidential scandals, tragedies, and dramatic events that shaped history—ranging from personal controversies and political corruption to assassination attempts and profound personal sorrows. Specific incidents include the assassinations of Presidents Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley, and Kennedy; the tragic death of Franklin Pierce’s son en route to his inauguration; President Harding’s scandals involving Teapot Dome and his mistress; and Grover Cleveland’s paternity scandal during the contentious election of 1884. 

He will also examine the deaths of presidents, vice presidents, and first ladies, as well as the more joyful occasions of White House life—weddings, births, and family milestones. With many more stories to uncover, this program provides a captivating look at the personal and political dramas behind America’s highest office.

Brian Armstrong is an independent historian, researcher, and author. He has worked for 40 years for various technology and staffing companies including EDS, Kelly Services, and International Technology Solutions, Inc. Armstrong was President of the South River Historical & Preservation Society for 10 years and is now the President of the League of Historical Societies of New Jersey. He is a director for the Raritan Millstone Heritage Association.

In 2015, Brian co-wrote the book, South River, with Stephanie Bartz and Nan Whitehead. Armstrong authored the History Press book, The Franklin Park Tragedy: A Forgotten Story of Racial Injustice in New Jersey in 2019 and won the 2020 NJSAA Author Award for the book. Armstrong authored the History Press book, A History Lover’s Guide to Bar Harbor Maine (May 2021). He self-published the books, Lost Museums (2022), Totally Shameless Productions (2023), Franklin Park Axe Murders (2023), Victorian Housewife Rebellion (2023), Hunter’s Rest Birthday (2024), Cordova Elopement Scandal (2025), Camp AU (2025), and Xcapade (2025) through Kindle Direct Publishing.

Brian lectures on local history, World War I, the Spanish Influenza, political history, and using digital newspapers for genealogical research. He is a collector of US Presidential election memorabilia and is a member of American Political Items Collectors (APIC).

This program is made possible with the support of The Friends of the Livingston Public Library.