America's First Ladies

They are for the most part a faceless group of women, behind the scene players whose roles helped in the shaping America and the world. Their lives cannot be underestimated nor trivialized.

Who are these anonymous personalities? Why should they be remembered and embraced as an integral cog in the American saga?

They group that I am referring to is a special group of women commonly known as America’s First Ladies. They were the strength and wisdom behind many an American President.

Famous names like Martha Washington, Dolly Madison, Abigail Adams, Mary Todd Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt and Rosalyn Carter echo across the pages of history. Their strengths, humility, passions and courage are exhibited and interpreted at the National First Ladies Library (NFLL) in Canton Ohio.

The NFLL is thrilled to be hosting a special exhibit this summer featuring a collection of White House China. The select pieces are from the private collection of Carter administration diplomat Set Momjian. Other contributions to the exhibit were made by the Benjamin Harrison Home, the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center and the Massillon Museum. The collection featured includes china pieces from the Monroe, Polk, Lincoln, Hayes, Harrison, Roosevelt, Wilson, Eisenhower, Johnson, Reagan and Clinton administrations. Each unique design has an equally as unique story behind its creation and pattern.

China for the White House state affairs is traditionally chosen by the First Lady. Included in the china exhibit will be artifacts and clothing from these First Ladies to help illustrate the story of their association with the selection of china for the administration.

The exhibit is highlighted by a custom designed display case featuring a replication of a dinner table set for a White House formal occasion.

Visitors will be able to learn about the history of the china selection and view these historical pieces in a lavish setting. The exhibit opened on April 3rd and will be a great highlight for this summer’s visitors to the NFLL. The exhibit runs for 12 months until the end of March 2008. This is a must-see exhibit proudly presented by the NFLL for our patrons.

Located not too far from the William McKinley Memorial and Presidential Library admission to The First Ladies Presidential Libraries and Museum is only available on a guided tour. Guided tours are of BOTH the Saxton House and the Education and Research Center and are lead by costumed docents. Tours last approximately 1 1/2 hours and begin at the Education & Research Facility. Reservations are highly recommended as tour size is limited. Reservations are REQUIRED for groups of 6 or more. Please call 330-452-0876 or visit http://www.firstladies.org for information or advance reservations.

Are you interested in Ohio and Presidential History? Then consider joining our “Ohio Presidents” tour departing Ironton on June 27th 2008. We will visit the homes and/or memorials of all 8 “Buckeyes” that served as an American President.

Contact me at 740.533.4559 or call@ohio.edu for more information.