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(Article printed in Women' s Calendar -
November 2004)
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The
First Ladies
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Based on one of the
Smithsonian’s most visited permanent exhibitions, “First Ladies:
Political Role and Public Image” will premiere at The Women’s
Museum: An Institute for the Future in Dallas, Texas, on Nov. 20.
The exhibition will remain on view through Feb. 13, 2005, and then
continue on a national tour through 2006. |
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This is the first time many White House artifacts leave the walls of the
Smithsonian in D.C.
The exhibition—featuring first ladies’
gowns and clothing, personal belongings, White House furnishings, political
campaign materials and other historic items—examines the demanding duties of
the presidential partner and national hostess, explores how her role has
evolved from ceremonial partner to one of international celebrity and
recognized political power and illustrates the importance of the first
lady’s public image to the success of a presidential administration.
“Throughout our history, the first lady has
been a central figure in extending political roles for women and gaining
acceptance for women in public life,” says Edith Mayo, curator emeritus at
the National Museum of American History. “As the most visible women in
America, the first ladies have evolved from the president’s social and
ceremonial partners to advocates of social causes and political allies in
their own right. This evolution places the first lady at the center of both
presidential history and women’s history.”
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The nation’s
expectations of the first ladies reflect American ideals of home,
family and womanhood—ideals that change with every generation.
Some first ladies remained within the boundaries of what was
considered a proper role for women in their day. Others challenged
and expanded those boundaries, subtly or openly. |
The exhibition is comprised of more than
150 objects organized into four sections that reveal the historical roles of
the first lady: “Inventing the Role,” “Political Role,” “Public Image” and
“Life After the White House.”
Martha Washington’s amber necklace, Mary Todd
Lincoln’s silver tea service, Eleanor Roosevelt’s gown from the 1945
inaugural reception, a signature black pants suit from Hillary Rodham
Clinton’s Senate campaign and pro-literacy materials sponsored by Laura Bush
are among the items in the exhibition.
Four audiovisual stations and one radio address kiosk provide
further background and give a voice to the women who served in this
national role.
More Details |
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Thanks for being readers!
Credits: Information and photos used
with permission of the Women's Museum.
For more information: Amanda L. Ray,
214.665.1359, direct / 214.538.2114, mobile / 888.489.2362, pager Christine
Lee, 214.915.0872
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