How do we determine who the greatest Presidents were?

One recent poll of the American public disclosed that they believed Bill Clinton is the greatest President of all time!

Another recent poll, this one only of Republicans, showed that 5% considered George W. Bush the greatest President of all time!

Let’s not ask the public!

When professional historians are asked to compile lists of the greatest Presidents, they usually choose Washington, Lincoln, and FDR as the best. (apologies to both Presidents Bush and Clinton!)

But after those three, the lists become intriguing. Does Truman belong in the pantheon? How about Jefferson, Jackson, Theodore Roosevelt, Reagan, or Polk? Can a case be made for Madison, Cleveland, JFK, or Wilson? The debate is fun, and the comparisons are exciting! I will prevent my intentionally provocative choices in this fast-moving multimedia presentation.

THIS PROGRAM IS FREE AND IN PERSON ONLY. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER  ON THE FORM.

ENTER THE TITLE “10 Best Presidents at 6 PM July 27

The post The Ten Greatest American Presidents appeared first on Speaking For A Change.

One measure of presidential popularity is the ability to get reelected.  By being the choice of the American public three consecutive times, Cleveland established himself as president who earned the trust of the American public.

As the only Democrat elected between the Civil War and 1912, Grover Cleveland  was noted as a man of stubborn honesty and personal integrity even by those who bitterly opposed his policies.   Be sure to read this article about  his amazing life – our first superstar First Lady. This  completely unique multimedia presentation will educate, entertain and intrigue you!

The post Grover Cleveland – The Greatest President You Don’t Know appeared first on Speaking For A Change.

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 Lincolnwood Library hosts it, and there is no charge for attending. Registration is required.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

The post America’s Greatest First Ladies appeared first on Speaking For A Change.

How do we determine who the greatest Presidents were?

One recent poll of the American public disclosed that they believed Bill Clinton is the greatest President of all time!

Another recent poll, this one only of Republicans, showed that 5% considered George W. Bush the greatest President of all time!

Let’s not ask the public!

When professional historians are asked to compile lists of the greatest Presidents, they usually choose Washington, Lincoln, and FDR as the best. (apologies to both Presidents Bush and Clinton!)

But after those three, the lists become intriguing. Does Truman belong in the pantheon? How about Jefferson, Jackson, Theodore Roosevelt, Reagan, or Polk? Can a case be made for Madison, Cleveland, JFK, or Wilson? The debate is fun, and the comparisons are exciting! I will prevent my intentionally provocative choices in this fast-moving multimedia presentation.

THIS PROGRAM IS FREE AND IN PERSON ONLY. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER  ON THE FORM.

ENTER THE TITLE “10 Best Presidents at 6 PM July 27

The post The Ten Greatest American Presidents appeared first on Speaking For A Change.

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.

The post America’s Greatest First Ladies appeared first on Speaking For A Change.