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 role of First Lady. Learn more about this remarkable woman whom President Harding referred to as his boss by visiting the Today in History section and clicking … [Read more...]
Today in History: Mary Todd Lincoln
November 2, 2012 by Leave a Comment
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 primary sources related to Mary Todd Lincoln as well as President Abraham Lincoln. Mary Todd Lincoln … [Read more...]
Today in History: Abigail Adams
October 25, 2012 by Leave a Comment
![John Adams to Abigail Adams [Dec. 3, 1775]](https://primarysourcenexus.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/abigailadamsletter-110x110.jpg)
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, then click the links below to access more primary sources related to Abigail Adams. Abigail Adams, His [John Adams'] Better … [Read more...]
Primary Source Learning: Women in the White House
August 15, 2012 by Leave a Comment
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 exerting political influence. Letter excerpt, Abigail Adams to John Adams advising her husband to "remember the ladies" (complete letter), March 31, 1776 Letter, … [Read more...]
Today in History: Martha Washington
May 22, 2012 by Leave a Comment
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 links below to access related primary sources. Martha Washington image set Martha Washington … [Read more...]
Today in History: Eleanor Roosevelt
October 11, 2011 by Leave a Comment
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 York 1941 Eleanor Roosevelt historical newspaper coverage Modern-day legislation related to … [Read more...]
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