Who were America’s Greatest First Ladies?

Nobody really knows!

Today, the press and public pay great attention to the President’s spouse.  However, the role of the First Lady was not given so much as a moment’s thought by the Founding Fathers.  The title “First Lady” itself was not even widely used until the 1850s!  Nonetheless, our First Ladies represent a fantastic array of accomplished women, each with a unique story and a unique place in American History.

I will list my top ten favorite First Ladies in this original series.  I promise that at least a couple of my choices will be women you would have never considered!

Of course, you know about the legacy of Eleanor Roosevelt.  But did you know that the lives of children, women, and pediatricians are made better every day in fundamental ways by the legacy of First Lady Harriet Lane?  Or that almost a century before Jackie Kennedy, we had a younger First Lady who became an icon of style in the White House while raising adorable children?  (Click here to read about Frances Cleveland, pictured on the magazine cover.)

Although there are so many fascinating stories in this multimedia presentation!  It is not merely a collection of trivia.  Instead, we will examine how the historical roles of women have changed from the days of the marvelous Martha Washington, an enslaver, to the modern Michelle Obama, the descendant of enslaved people!

REGISTRATION – this event is live and in person.  The Northbrook Senior Center hosts it, and there is a charge for attending.  Registration is required.