Image Gallery
Image Gallery
Image Gallery
Current ExhibitsFirst FloorLeaders in Literacy: First Ladies as Teachers, Educators, and LibrariansMay 2024 - April 2025 The right to an education is a foundational principle of our nation’s history, and so many of our First Ladies have taken this cause to heart throughout the course of the American journey. From one-room schoolhouse teachers such as Abigail Fillmore and Lucretia Garfield, to Eleanor Roosevelt’s Arthurdale experiment, to Barbara and Laura Bush’s literacy initiatives, to current First Lady Dr. Jill Biden’s college teaching, these powerful women have provided opportunities for empowering the young minds of our country to learn, grow, and thrive through education. The Leaders in Literacy exhibit showcases numerous personal artifacts from the National First Ladies Library & Museum collection that highlight the work of our First Ladies in the areas of education and literacy. The exhibit also features an extraordinary loan from the Arthurdale Heritage Museum featuring First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt’s efforts to create a New Deal-era “homestead” that would provide a new chance at life and an education for impoverished residents in this West Virginia community. In addition, the exhibit will include artifacts from the George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush Presidential Museums related to First Ladies Barbara and Laura Bush. To engage younger audiences, the “Leaders in Literacy” exhibit also features programs including “Reading Reimagined” — a replica one-room schoolhouse in our children’s interactive area, as well as the launch of our “Little Leaders” reading and activity program for children ages Pre-K to 4th grade.
Ladies of the Hour: White House HostessesAlthough the spouce of the president traditionally takes on the role of first lady, many women have taken on the durties without donning the title of first lady or the role of spouce. These women are often called White House hostesses. These hostesses, often youg and unmarried, played the role of helpmate for presidents who were widowed, unmarried, or whose wives could not or did not wish to perform White House social duties. Ladies of the Hour: White House Hostesses explores several examples of White House hostesses who performed a more vital role in presidential White House History. Second FloorVisit the second floor of the Education Center, which is a great place to learn more about all of our nation’s First Ladies, as well as a wonderful family interactive space with activities, games, and fun things to do First Ladies Research LibraryThe National First Ladies Library & Museum has a rich and extensive collection of books and materials available for researchers. The Research Library, is currently open only by appointment. Please call 440-317-3750 to inquire. Lower LevelFirst Ladies on the Campaign TrailFirst Ladies on the Campaign Trail celebrates the hard work and accomplishments of First Ladies in the campaign arena. Campaign time creates a dilemma for modern First Ladies. They must convey a positive message and glamorous look that can contribute to their husband’s campaigns. However, if they publicly stumble, they can hurt their husbands’ presidential contest chances. How do they maneuver through all the media attention while focusing on their husband’s campaign strategy? At first, the only course of action for potential First Ladies was social calls to prominent wives of influential voting men; otherwise, they stayed behind the scenes. However, once the 19th Amendment passed, Florence Harding could not only actively participate in the Front Porch campaign of 1920, but she voted for her husband as well. Eleanor Roosevelt’s unprecedented approach to campaign travel and canvassing on behalf of her husband set the stage for future jet-setting First Ladies. Mamie Eisenhower endeared herself by waving from trains and planes on the arm of her husband. Lady Bird Johnson’s triumphant solo trip on the “Lady Bird Special” ushered in the independent course a First Lady can make as a campaign team member. When former First Lady Hillary Clinton ran for president in 2008 and 2016, she made a major chip in the proverbial glass ceiling. These women contributed to the modern role of 21st-century political wives and women. Women today can campaign for office and win on their own merits. There will always be interest in their personal life, which might include a spouse or partner. Who will be the next trailblazer? That person will stand together with the pioneering first ladies on the campaign trail.
City National Bank
Learn about the building that now houses the Education Center. Junior Ranger
Complete a Junior Ranger book to earn your Jr. Ranger Badge! Parks as Classrooms
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Last updated: May 7, 2024