Dr. Lindsay M. Chervinsky

George Washington was "extremely regimented in everything" he did in life, says historian @lmchervinsky. "He was ambitious for his plantation, for his economic prospects. He was ambitious about his political career, his military career," she told @JudyWoodruff. "And that led to, sometimes, an element of control about what he did on a daily basis, what the enslaved population did on a daily basis, and what sort of records were kept to monitor all of that progress. So his farm records are almost immaculate." Chervinsky spoke to Woodruff for PBS News' podcast, "In Pursuit of Happiness," about Washington's achievements, contradictions and enduring influence on the American presidency. For the full episode: to.pbs.org/4v5Vfq3

Monday’s change of Oval Office occupants is a ritual full of traditions and customs. One of the more modern ones began in 1989, when Ronald Reagan left a note for George H.W. Bush on stationery with a whimsical bit of advice. “The theme, in general, is about patriotism, service, the importance of the office being bigger than one person,” @lmchervinsky told @johnyangtv. to.pbs.org/42E0tiz

Monday's change of Oval Office occupants is a ritual full of traditions and customs. One of the more modern ones is presidential letters written to their successors and left on the Oval Office desk. “The theme, in general, is about patriotism, service, the importance of the office being bigger than one person and sort of an inspirational encouragement for the next person in office,” @lmchervinsky told @johnyangtv.