A New Logo and Name for the National First Ladies Library and Museum
A New Logo and Name for the National First Ladies Library and Museum
Rebranding incorporates all offerings at the Canton, Ohio, site.
A new look, new logo and a new name was unveiled this week for the National First Ladies Library and Museum in Canton, Ohio.
President and CEO Patty Dowd Schmitz made the announcement in the organization’s newsletter where it showcased a new logo featuring three first lady inspired silhouettes. The inspiration for the first silhouette (from right to left) is Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams, the second president of the United States; the middle silhouette is representative of a mid-century first lady likely to be Jacqueline Kennedy; and the third silhouette represents barrier-breaking first ladies of the future, says Schmitz.
The logo also incorporates a new name: National First Ladies Library and Museum. The name now fully integrates the site’s museum that houses more than 5,000 items related to all of the nation’s first ladies while still representing the library that holds more than 1,000 books and materials about first ladies.
“The idea behind the new name and the new logo is to reflect that we are always, first and foremost, a place for scholarly repository for scholarly research and information,” says Schmitz. “But we are also a museum that is open to the public and showcases a lot of items we have about our first ladies.”
With the new branding, Schmitz says the organization is looking ahead to other innovations including updating its research website with a focus on giving researchers all over the world a more modern, technological space. Schmitz says she would also like to make the website an educational resource for students and teachers.
“It’s very robust and has a large amount of information on every first lady,” she says.
The organization was founded by Mary Regula, a congressional spouse to U. S. Representative Ralph Regula, and incorporated in 1997 as a nonprofit. It operates at First Ladies National Historic Site in a partnership agreement with the National Park Service. In October 2000, President Bill Clinton signed a bill establishing the First Ladies National Site as the 380th unit of the National Park Service, according to the organization’s website. The site’s campus consists of the historic Saxton-McKinley Home, First Ladies Park, and the Visitors Center/National First Ladies Library and Museum. The museum hosts a Victorian theatre, a research library, conference and seminar rooms, archival storage and processing rooms, and administrative offices.
Events
Nov. 13, 2023
“Lady Bird Diaries” Premieres on HULU
Disney’s ABC Studios new documentary “Lady Bird Diaries,” from filmmaker Dawn Porter, premieres Monday, Nov. 13, on the streaming service HULU. The film looks at one of the most influential and least-understood first ladies, featuring audio from the 123 hours of personal and revealing diaries of Lady Bird Johnson began recording after the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Read more
Nov. 16, 2023
The White House Historical Association Will Host White House History with Frank Sesno
The White House Historical Association will hold the final installment of its 2023 “White House History” conversation series: “Covering the White House in Real Time - From 24-Hour News to Social Media,” moderated by Emmy award-winning journalist and former CNN White House Correspondent and Washington Bureau Chief Frank Sesno.
This live conversation will focus on how social media and the 24-hour news cycle have changed, how news of the presidency is reported, and how viewers consume news. Guest panelists include:
Lisa Napoli, former journalist, author of Up All Night: Ted Turner, CNN, and the Birth of 24-Hour News
Jason Steinhauer, Public historian, author of History, Disrupted: How Social Media & the World Wide Web Have Changed the Past
Darlene Superville, White House Reporter, The Associated Press
The event will take place on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023; 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. EST at The White House Historical Association, 748 Jackson Place NW, in Washington, D.C. A reception will follow the conversation.
White House History with Frank Sesno will be livestreamed on the Association’s YouTube and Facebook channels. This event is free and open to the public. Space is limited and an RSVP is required. RSVP here.
Nov. 16, 2023
Virtual Legacy Lecture: Jackie and the Books She Loved, Penning a Picture Book
The National First Ladies Library and Museum will feature author Ronni Diamondstein who will read her debut children’s book “Jackie and the Books She Loved”. Diamondstein will discuss how this book came to be and the remarkable literary life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the “First Lady of Literature.” Read more
Nov. 16, 2023
Third Thursdays Night Out with Jackie Kennedy - Private Curator-Led Tour
The National First Ladies Library and Museum invites visitors to “Get to Know the Real Jackie O” with this behind-the-scenes private tour led by their curator of the exhibition Beyond Camelot: The Life and Legacy of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Light appetizers and drinks are included. Read more
Nov. 17, 2023
You Are Cordially Invited: Holidays at the Carter White House
The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library will open the exhibit “You Are Cordially Invited: Holidays at the Carter White House” on Nov. 17. It explores how the Carters celebrated the holidays as the first family. Visitors can explore photographs, sketches, artifacts, letters, a Victorian themed Christmas tree and more. Read more
Nov. 24-25, Dec. 1-2, Dec. 8-9, and Dec. 17, 2023
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Tour George Washington’s historic estate by candlelight and learn about holiday traditions in 18th-century Virginia. This year's event will explore the build-up to the Revolution as the 250th anniversary of the year 1773 is celebrated. Read more
Nov. 27, 2023
Virtual First Ladies on the Page Book Discussion: “Sisters First”
The National First Ladies Library and Museum will host a staff-led book discussion on Sisters First: Stories from Our Wild and Wonderful Life by Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush, the fraternal twin daughters of former First Lady Laura Bush and George W. Bush, the 43rd president of the United States. Born into a political dynasty, Jenna and Barbara Bush grew up in the public eye. As small children, they watched their grandfather become president; just twelve years later they stood by their father's side when he took the same oath. They spent their college years watched over by Secret Service agents and became fodder for the tabloids, with teenage mistakes making national headlines. Read more
Now through Nov. 27, 2023
Apply for Funds From the Laura Bush Foundation For America’s Libraries
Grant applications are now open for The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries. The foundation provides funds to schools in the United States that are in need to extend, update, and diversify the book and print collections in their libraries with the goal of encouraging students to develop a love of reading and learning.
Since its inception in 2002, the Laura Bush Foundation has awarded $21 million to over 3,600 schools across the country, according to a statement from the foundation. In the 2022-2023 grant cycle, the Laura Bush Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 300 school libraries across 36 states. Many librarians used the funds to update their library collections by adding more dual language titles and books that showcase a wide range of stories and perspectives.
The application deadline is Monday, Nov. 27, 2023. Successful applicants will be notified by mid-late spring 2024. Read more
Nov. 28, 2023
Virtual Forum: Carl Sferrazza Anthony Discusses New Jackie Kennedy Book
The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum welcomes historian and author Carl Sferrazza Anthony to discuss his new book Camera Girl: The Coming of Age of Jackie Bouvier Kennedy, a new biography exploring Mrs. Kennedy’s early adulthood. Eileen McNamara, Pulitzer Prize-winning former Boston Globe columnist and Brandeis professor emerita of the practice of journalism, moderates. Time: 6 to 7:30 pm EST. Register here
Dec. 5, 2023
White House History Live: The Washingtons, the Custises, and the Making of America
Learn more about the history of the nation’s “first family” during a White House Historical Association Facebook and YouTube Live event. The program will trace George Washington’s step grandchildren, the Custises, from childhood celebrities to carriers of the Washington legacy in nineteenth century America. Author Cassandra Good will discuss her book, “First Family,” sharing insights on writing the story of this historic family.
The program is part of the White House Live series and explores the stories that make up the history of the executive mansion and can be live streamed on the White House Historical Association's Facebook and YouTube pages starting at 5:30 pm ET on December 5. Read more
Dec. 6, 2023
Online — Ann Lowe: An American Couturier with a First Ladies' Connection
The National First Ladies Library and Museum will feature Elizabeth Way, associate curator of costume at FIT in an online discussion of the Ann Lowe exhibition at the Winterthur Museum. Ann Lowe (c. 1898 - 1981) was a prolific American fashion designer, working from the 1910s in Montgomery, Alabama, through the 1920s in Tampa, Florida, and for four decades in New York City. Lowe spent her career creating custom gowns for elite American women, specializing in intricate, feminine silhouettes and floral embellishments. Her most famous design is Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy's 1953 wedding dress. Read more
Dec. 10, 2023
A Timeless Holiday Tea at the National First Ladies Library and Museum
Celebrate the warmth of the holidays at the National First Ladies Library and Museum with “A Timeless Holiday Tea”' featuring a livestreamed program by Coleen Christian, former White House holiday decorator. Coleen Christian is an esteemed interior decorator who was part of the White House decorating team in 2008, where she created icicle trees in the Grand Lobby and festive Fife and Drum motifs in the State Dining Room. She is the author of “Christmas with the First Ladies: The White House Decorating Tradition from Jacqueline Kennedy to Michelle Obama.” Signed copies of Coleen Christian’s book will be available for purchase. Read more
Dec. 21, 2023
Third Thursdays Night Out with Jackie Kennedy - Private Curator-Led Tour
The National First Ladies Library and Museum invites visitors to “Get to Know the Real Jackie O” with this behind-the-scenes private tour led by their curator of the exhibition Beyond Camelot: The Life and Legacy of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Light appetizers and drinks are included. Read more
Now through Dec. 31, 2023
Apply for the Washington Library’s Fellowship Program
The Washington Library is accepting applications for its 2024-2025 research fellowship program now through Dec. 31, 2023. Research fellows can spend one, three, or six months as a research fellow at the George Washington Library, located at George Washington’s Mount Vernon in Virginia. Funded research opportunities are available to people researching the early American period. Read more
On exhibit through April 27, 2024
Beyond Camelot: The Life and Legacy of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
Visitors to the National First Ladies Library and Museum in Canton, Ohio, can explore a replica of former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding gown designed by Anne Lowe and other never-before-seen artifacts donated by Monte Durham of Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta. The free exhibition runs through April 27, 2024 and is open to the public. Read more
Educational Videos
Jill Biden Opens Virtual Tour of the White House
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden recently invited teachers to celebrate National Civics Day, with a virtual educational tour of the White House. “I invite you and your students to take a virtual field trip to learn about our past and present,” Biden said on “X”, formerly Twitter. View here
Watch now: “The White House is not just an office, but a home”
To enhance First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt's "My Day" newspaper columns, Allida M. Black, Director and Editor of The Eleanor Roosevelt Papers and Research Professor of History & International Affairs at The George Washington University, sat down for an interview with The White House Historical Association covering topics from the Roosevelt's style of entertaining to what the White House was like during World War II. View here
Podcasts
You and Me Both with Hillary Clinton
Hillary Clinton sits down for candid, in-depth, and sometimes hilarious conversations with people she finds fascinating. With help from her guests, Hillary will tackle the topics that shape our lives, from faith to the pressing political issues of our time to cooking tips for the cooking-challenged. Listen here
Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast
Join Michelle Obama as she dives deep into conversations with family, friends, and colleagues to share tools for living in today’s world with her trademark humor, candor, and compassion. Listen here
First Ladies: In Their Own Words
Eight first ladies from Lady Bird Johnson to Melania Trump talk about the role of the first lady and their time in the White House. Using material from C-SPAN's award-winning biography series, First Ladies, and original source material from C-SPAN's video library, you'll listen to these first spouses addressing issues important to them and to the country. Listen here
Mrs. Bush’s Story Time
“Mrs. Bush’s Story Time” is a podcast for families, featuring original recordings from the radio program of the same name. The podcast brings to life former First Lady Barbara Bush’s commitment to family literacy and lifelong learning for a whole new generation. Listen here
“U.S. First Ladies: Making History and Leaving Legacies”
The White House 1600 Sessions features White House Historical Association president and host Stewart McLaurin sitting down with Anita McBride, former chief of staff to First Lady Laura Bush, and current director of American University’s First Ladies Initiative, at the Dolley Madison House in Washington, DC for an insightful interview about her co-authored new book “U.S. First Ladies: Making History and Leaving Legacies.” The discussion reveals the history of how first ladies have influenced American society, public policy, diplomacy, and life in the White House. View here
Your Mama’s Kitchen: Michelle Obama
The very first episode of Your Mama’s Kitchen features former First Lady Michelle Obama. Mother, lawyer, and bestselling author of The Light We Carry and Becoming, Michelle talks about her beginnings growing up in a working-class family on the South Side of Chicago and the delicious red rice her mother made that reminds her of home. Listen here or wherever you find your podcasts. Read the transcript here.
Oprah and Michelle Obama: Your Life in Focus
As a part of WW Presents “Oprah’s 2020 Vision: Your Life in Focus,” Grammy-winner, New York Times best-selling author and former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama sits down with Oprah in front of a live audience in Brooklyn, New York. Michelle Obama discusses her memoir, “Becoming,” Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.
What Spooky Novels Did Martha Washington Enjoy Reading?
Secrets of Washington's Archives digs into Martha Washington's copy of the gothic novel The Children of the Abbey, written by Regina Maria Roche in 1796. Listen here or watch the video
Faith and Freedom
This full-length podcast episode presented by George Washington’s Mount Vernon explores a set of prayer books belonging to Martha Washington and her granddaughters. Listeners can learn from resource specialist Jennifer Seiter what the Washington family heirloom reveals about the sweeping religious changes happening in the United States during the early Republic and George Washington’s own commitment to religious freedom. Listen here
Learn About Jacqueline Kennedy’s Friend and Rose Garden Designer “Bunny” Mellon
This White House Historical Association’ podcast from The White House 1600 Sessions series features a conversation with Thomas Lloyd, author and member of the Association’s National Council, about his book “Garden Secrets of Bunny Mellon.”
In the episode, Stewart McLaurin, president of the association, travels to the home of Rachel Lambert “Bunny” Mellon, philanthropist, stylemaker and renowned gardener, to meet with Lloyd, Mrs. Mellon’s grandson, to talk about her most famous design— refurbishing the White House Rose Garden. Former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, a close friend of Mellon, handcrafted a memory book for her, which also is discussed in the podcast. Listen here
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