Exhibits in the entrance hall, part of the wing added in the 1880's, introduce James Monroe, his family, and his political career. The dropleaf table, circa 1825, is made from Honduras mahogany. It was sent to Monroe on behalf of the people of Santo Domingo, now the Dominican Republic, in gratitude for Monroe's statement of foreign policy. Known as the Monroe Doctrine, this policy protected the Western Hemisphere from European intervention. A framed copy of quotations from the Monroe Doctrine hangs in this room. In addition to a bust of Monroe, sculpted by Attilio Piccirilli in 1931, the room features an exhibit of the major events in Monroe's life.

Ladies fans in the exhibit room