History of First Ladies

Historians and authors spoke at the National First Ladies' Library’s first annual symposium, “First Ladies and American Women’s History.” The concluding session of the symposium looked at the roles of first ladies serving since Eleanor Roosevelt and how the role of first lady had changed over the course of American history. Mr. Anthony said that those presidential wives tended to be more active in social issues. He noted Betty Ford’s fight to pass the Equal Rights Amendment, Pat Nixon’s outspokenness about Roe v. Wade, Nancy Reagan’s attempts to educate schoolchildren against drug abuse, Barbara Bush’s work to reform the health-care system, and Laura Bush’s recent effort to help rebuild libraries destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Mr. Anthony also challenged panelists to envision the role of future first ladies. Following their remarks they answered questions from the audience. close