On the last Saturday in April is National First Ladies day. In this post we are looking at some of the most impactful First Ladies and their influence on the world. Check out our booklist to read more about these incredible women.
1809-1892
Dolley Madison is considered to have a set up the role of the first lady. Madison was the first to sponsor a public charity as well as creating political ties with the wives of top party members. Madison is also credited with saving the portrait of George Washington during the War of 1812.
Harriet Lane is the only non spouse to assume the duties of the first lady. Lane assisted her uncle, President James Buchanan in hosting parties and formal events. She is also considered to be the first modern first lady as she took on many advocacy work.
Mary Todd Lincoln served during the Civil War. While in office, Lincoln faced many controversies and challenges including the assination of her husband, President Lincoln.
Caroline Harrison handled interior renovations to the White House after moving in. She added electricity, running water and private baths, and a new heating system. Harrison kept a detailed record of all items in the White House for preservation. Her other passion was Women’s Rights and she believed women should have a life outside the home. She also helped raise money for John Hopkins University with the condition, that women could enroll.
1901-1945
Edith Roosevelt along with her husband Theodore worked on renovated the White House to include both the East and West Wings.
Florence Harding. Harding was a very active First Lady from editing her husband’s speeches to sitting in on cabinet meetings. A proud feminist, Harding pushed for more women in official roles in his administration. She brought back the Easter Egg Hunt and set precedent for future first ladies by allowing photo-ops, and using the secret service to protect her. She was also the first woman to vote for her husband in an election.
Eleanor Roosevelt. Roosevelt is coined as the first lady of the world. She advocated for human and civil rights. She was the first First Lady to have a syndicate column ‘My Day’ which ran from 1935-1962. Roosevelt is responsible for hiring Frances Perkins, the first woman to lead the Department of Labor. Roosevelt famously resigned from the Daughter of the American Revolution after they refused to let Marian Anderson perform. She continuously supported NAACP throughout her life. After leaving the White House, President Kennedy appointed her to the United Nations where she chaired the National Human Rights Commission and wrote the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. Check out our blog post about Eleanor Roosevelt.
1961-1989
Jackie Kennedy. Kennedy focused on promoting and preserving art in the White House. She lead a televised tour of the White House in 1962 to showcase the preservation efforts to keep the White House’s elegance. She also went abroad as a representative to Italy, Pakistan and India. A multi linguist she was able to promote the administration’s international policy.
Claudia “Lady Bird” Johnson. Johnson is known as the environmental first lady and is one of the earliest first ladies to do a solo tour. She is most remembered today for her beautification efforts including the Highway Beautification Act which removed build boards for wildflowers and other floral. She brought media along as she spoke about preserving the California Redwoods and the Hudson River. With her support, 200 environmental laws were passed.
Betty Ford. A feminist, Ford became one of the most outspoken first ladies. She was outspoken about her addictions and her breast cancer treatment. When her husband assumed the role of the President, she openly supported the passing of Roe vs. Wade. Another important legislation she lobbied for was for the Equal Rights Amendment in which she appeared on CBS’s 60m minutes to further her support. After leaving the White House, Ford founded the Betty Ford Center along with breaking the stigma on seeking psychiatric help.
Roselynn Carter. Carter set up the Office of the First Lady to what it is today. She supported services for the elderly and for the Every Child by Two, childhood immunization program. Like her predecessors before her, Carter also vocally supported the Equal Rights Amendment as well as finding work outside of the home. She strongly believed that volunteering would help combat social issues and dedicated her time to a myriad of causes.
1993 – present
Hilary Clinton. Clinton was the first First Lady to have a postgraduate degree. She had a role in her husband’s administration which led to political tension among her opponents. A major setback for Hillary came with National Health Care Reform initiative. When Bill won re-election, Hilary took a more traditional role as First Lady. She supported the State Children’s Health Insurance Program which expanded health insurance to children in low income families. Hillary also helped create the Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women.
Michelle Obama. Michelle Obama is the first black woman to be First Lady. During her tenure, she advocated for poverty awareness, physical nutrition Let’s Move! Obama worked with second lady, Jill Biden to establish Joining Forces to support active military and veterans. She also advocated for women and girls to go into higher education.
First Lady Booklist and Watchlist
Dolley Madison – PBS
A Perfect Union by Catherine Allgor – Dolley Madison
Dolley Madison by Cynthia Klingel
Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt by Eleanor Roosevelt
First Ladies of the Republic by Jeanne E. Abrams
American woman: the transformation of the modern First Lady, from Hillary Clinton to Jill Biden by Katie Rogers
Laura Bush by Ronald Kessler
The Matriarch Barbara Bush and the making of an American Dynasty by Susan Page
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Where the Light Enters by Dr. Jill Biden
Betty Ford by Lisa McCubbin
Living History by Hllary Rodham Clinton
Lady Bird Johnson by Julia Sweig
The Triumph of Nancy Reagan by Karen Tumulty
My Turn by Nancy Reagan
Mary Todd Lincoln by Jean Baker
Abigail Adams by Woody Holton
Louisa by Louisa Thomas
First Lady from the Plains by Rosalynn Carter
First Women: the grace and power of America’s modern first ladies by Kate Brower
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