First Lady Nancy Reagan Remembered

The White House Historical Association joins the nation in its remembrance of First Lady Nancy Reagan and the tremendous grace, intelligence, and style she brought to her role as First Lady of the United States.

As America's first lady, she lent her support to the Foster Grandparent Program, subject of her 1982 book, To Love A Child. She also concentrated on the fight against drug and alcohol abuse among young people, and in 1985 held a conference for first ladies of 17 countries to focus international attention on this problem.

Mrs. Reagan directed a major renovation of the second and third floors of the White House during her time as First Lady, and commissioned a presidential state china service in striking red, gold, and white from Lenox China in Trenton, New Jersey in 1981. Her official portrait by Aaron Shikler in 1987 features her signature red color, in a flowing gown designed by James Galanos.

Stewart D. McLaurin, White House Historical Association President, who served during the Reagan administration and later led the Ronald Reagan Centennial for the Reagan Foundation, remembers Mrs. Reagan with great affection. He remarked, “Mrs. Reagan possessed a style and strength that served and honored President Reagan well in the White House. Following his presidency, she was an amazing caregiver of both the president and his legacy, through the work of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Reagan Library. Every First Lady gives of themselves in an unpaid role of service to our country. Mrs. Reagan was an icon in giving and living to the fullest for her husband the President, for the White House itself, and for the greater good of our country.”

Beginning, Monday March 7, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. an official condolence book for First Lady Nancy Reagan will be available for the public to sign at the White House Visitor Center, located at 1450 Pennsylvania, Ave, N.W., Washington, D.C., 20230. The Center is open daily from 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and is free to the public.