First Ladies of the United States

Once relegated to the primarily ornamental role of hostess to the President, the office of the First Lady has undergone somewhat radical changes throughout the history of the United States. Many early First Ladies avoided the limelight associated with national politics while contemporary First Ladies give interviews, campaign for their husbands and other party members, and pursue their own political agendas. The modern First Lady occupies a suite of offices in the East Wing of the White House and employs a full-time staff of personnel, who aid her in crafting her position on various issues. The First Lady also provides counsel to the President and, on some occasions, may serve as a diplomatic liason between the nation's top executive and other heads of state.

Many First Ladies have earned undergraduate degrees, many have earned graduate degrees, and former First Lady and current United States Senator from New York, Hillary Rodham Clinton, holds a doctorate in jurisprudence from Yale, served as faculty in the University of Arkansas School of Law, and was a practicing attorney with the Rose Law Firm. Also notable, former First Lady, Rosalyn Carter, conversed in Spanish while conducting diplomatic talks with leaders from Latin and South American countries often served as President Carter's emissary to these countries. Also, in another first, current First Lady, Laura Bush, delivered her husband's weekly radio address; the topic was the plight of women of Afghanistan under the Taliban.

Over the couse of time, the role the First Lady has become more and more complex. No longer is the First Lady considered merely the wife of the President; today's First Lady fulfills her duties as hostess, wife, and many times, mother while also playing a substantive role in the shaping of policy and contributing to the legacy of husband, the President.

The public is invited to hear Carl S. Anthony speak and share interesting First Lady facts and stories, including three First Ladies from Tennessee: Mrs. Andrew Jackson, Mrs. Andrew Johnson, and Mrs. James Knox Polk on Thursday, November 9th in the Hamilton Room, Wilder Student Union. His talk begins at 1:30 p.m., followed by an informal tea at 2:30 p.m. featuring First Ladies' recipes for canapes and sweets as served to world dignitaries visiting the White House.

Carl Sferrazza Anthony is the nation's foremost expert on America's First ladies and their White House experiences. Mr. Anthony has written at least ten books, including one on Jackie Kennedy Onassis. His latest book is Nellie Taft: The Unconvential First Lady of the Ragtime Era.

The answer to the last trivia question: Herbert Hoover

Today's trivia question: Which First Lady appeared as a dancer at Carnegie Hall?

Word for the Day: compendium (noun): a comprehensive summary

The library has a collection of books on the First Ladies featured this month on display. Come by and check out the collection.

Everyone have a good day!