Today in History–November 2–the Library of Congress features Mary Todd Lincoln. On this day in 1862, Ms. Lincoln wrote a letter to her husband the president, advising him to remove the hesitant Gen. George B. McClellan from command. Learn more about this first lady by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more correspondence and other…
Today in History–August 15–the Library of Congress features Florence Kling Harding, born on this date in 1860. An ardent support of woman suffrage, Kling Harding was the first first lady to have the right to cast a ballot for her husband (Warren G.). Kling Harding was also an adept business woman and brought a professional identity to the…
Today in History–October 25–the Library of Congress features Abigail Adams, who was married to John Adams on this day in 1764. Abigail Adams was well educated and her husband frequently discussed political issues with her. Learn more about this famous first lady and first mother who was also a staunch supporter of women’s rights by visiting the Today in History section,…
Use the resources below to learn about the women in the White House and the some of the roles various first ladies took on throughout the years. One fun learning activity comes from the Collection Connections section of Words and Deeds in American History. Ask students to consider if these letter show evidence of a first lady…
Today in History–May 22–the Library of Congress features America’s first, first lady Martha Washington, who died on this day in 1802. Unfortunately, few of the letters written by Martha and George remain since she burned most before her death to protect their privacy. Learn more about this upstanding woman and consummate hostess by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the…
Today in History–October 11–the Library of Congress features Eleanor Roosevelt, born on this day in 1884. Learn more about this first-class first lady in the Today in History section then click the links below to access related primary sources. Eleanor Roosevelt image set Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt Jr. attends Women in War Work Congress in Paris 1918 film Speech by Eleanor A. Roosevelt New…