The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History has been exhibiting gowns and china of the first ladies since 1913. Current exhibit curator Lisa Kathleen Graddy discussed the history of the tradition, how the exhibits have changed over time, and the shifting roles of the first lady in United States history. She gave a tour of the latest gallery, “The First Ladies,” which opened November 19, 2011. The exhibit focused on four first ladies, Dolley Madison, Mary Lincoln, Edith Roosevelt, and Lady Bird Johnson, as examples of their times. Video clips were shown in the background of first ladies Laura Bush and Michelle Obama presenting their gowns to the Smithsonian, and of several first ladies at inaugural balls.