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First Ladies

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The First Ladies

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The Office of the First Lady: The Evolution of the East Wing Staff

When First Lady Pat Nixon’s outgoing Chief of Staff and Press Secretary Constance Stuart sat for her White House exit interview in 1973, Stuart stated that “there isn’t a reader in America who really wants to know all the details of how this staff operates.”1 Since Stuart’s declaration, historians have become more interested in the role played by first ladi

Scholarship

American Fashions for American First Ladies: How Ellen and Edith Wilson’s Time in the White House Led to the Expectation for First Ladies to “Buy American”

In 2011, American fashion designer Oscar de la Renta criticized First Lady Michelle Obama for wearing a British label, Alexander McQueen, to a State Dinner for President Hu Jintao of China at the White House.1 Although Mrs. Obama was known for wearing American designers, including more affordable options such as J.Crew, this criticism attracted press attention and is the kind

Educational Resource

Forged by Fire: Dolley Madison, the White House, and the War of 1812

Have history come alive for students by facilitating a theatrical performance based on events from the War of 1812 with Forged By Fire: Dolley Madison, The White House, and the War of 1812. This play was created by the White House Historical Association’s educators using primary source research and geared towards 4-6 grade students. These student plays were previously performed during fi