PUTTING WOMEN FIRST
First Ladies: Political Role & Public Image

First Ladies are the closest thing Americans have to royalty. They are not elected but assume a role of great importance that guides the public in various ways according to their personality. While Jackie Kennedy brought style, grace and youthful vibrancy to the White House, Eleanor Roosevelt was one of the first First Ladies to actively wield her influence to educate the public on humanitarian causes. "First Ladies: Political Role & Public Image," a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian, presents a unique portrait of the role of the First Lady and the First Ladies themselves.

More than just an exhibit featuring the wives of the Presidents of the United States, this display gives us a look into a changing national mindset. The exhibit features campaign memorabilia, radio addresses, White House furnishings, portraits and photographs and one of the highlights: the inaugural gowns of the First Ladies. The exhibit gives the viewer a sense of such topics as the history of American fashion and the changing roles of women in American society as well as the changing role of the First Lady, an unoffical title, as it turns out.

Interesting historical facts abound, such as, the role of the First Lady has been assumed by nieces and sisters in the past, as was the case for two bachelor presidents, James Buchanan and Grover Cleveland, with Harriet Lane and Rose Cleveland, respectively, taking over the hosting duties of the position.

When: March 15-June 5, 2005

Where: New York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West

Admission: $10

For more info, www.nyhistory.org.