Grower, Author to Talk First Ladies and Cattleya Orchids
Arthur Chadwick to share the history of first ladies and their namesake orchids and the unique role he’s had in carrying on the tradition.
The horticultural history of naming orchid hybrids dates back more than a century ago when the practice honored European royalty including Queen Victoria, Queen Mary, and Queen Elizabeth. But it wasn’t until 1929 when an orchid was named for a presidential first lady in the United States.
It was former First Lady Lou Hoover, whose husband, Herbert, served as president from 1929-1933. New Jersey orchid grower Joseph Manda and Sons of Bridgeport named the hybrid cattleya “Mrs. Herbert Hoover.” First lady namesake orchids thereafter would use the woman’s name. Much of that tradition continues today thanks to another family orchid grower, Arthur Chadwick of Virginia-based Chadwick & Son Orchids, who has the distinction of naming cattleya hybrids after the last six presidential first ladies, from Dr. Jill Biden to former First Lady Barbara Bush, and has personally presented the flowers to most of them.
Chadwick will join the First Ladies Association for Research and Education in a virtual program on Wednesday, June 4, at 7 p.m. ET, to talk about the entwined history of first ladies and cattleya orchids.
The program will feature a conversation with moderator Valerie Palmer-Mehta, Professor of Communication at Oakland University and an avid gardener, and Chadwick, the co-author of First Ladies and Their Orchids: A Century of Namesake Cattleyas. Chadwick’s book explores the 100-plus years history of United States first ladies and the cattleya hybrids that bear their names. No registration is required; please use this link to join: First Ladies Association for Research & Education - YouTube.
Barbara Bush Official Postal Stamp to be Dedicated on Weekend Honoring the Former First Lady
The United States Postal Service will dedicate the official Barbara Bush postal stamp on June 10 in Kennebunkport, Maine, an event taking place two days after what would have been the former first lady’s 100th birthday.
The dedication coincides with a yearlong celebration honoring the former first lady and wife of former President George H.W. Bush, and her literacy work carried on by the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.
The stamp dedication ceremony is slated for 11 a.m. on June 10 at Ganny’s Garden on the River Green In Kennebunkport and will honor Mrs. Bush’s legacy as the wife of 41st president, first lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993, and mother of the 43rd president, George W. Bush (2001-2009).
As the matriarch of one of the prominent political families in U.S. history, Mrs. Bush was a tireless advocate for literacy. Her plainspoken style and sharp sense of humor drew bipartisan respect around the country. After a lifetime dedicated to helping others, Mrs. Bush is recognized as one of the most popular first ladies in history.
The dedication ceremony is one of several events planned by the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy from June 8-10 during the Maine Celebration of Reading. Other events include:
Barbara Bush Beach Walk
The Kennebunkport Conservation Trust invites all to join the Barbara Bush Beach Walk at 7 a.m. local time on June 8 at Gooch’s Beach in Kennebunk.
This informal walk is in honor of the 100th birthday of the former first lady, who died on April 17, 2018. Mrs. Bush was a dog lover and spent many mornings walking her dogs at Gooch’s. Optional dress up or decorate your dog and yourself in Barbara Bush style is encouraged.
A free, public birthday celebration will continue from noon to 3 p.m. local time on the River Green where Barbara Bush’s own Ganny’s Garden is located. There will be live music by Lisa Mills, fun and games, a book sale to benefit Ganny’s Garden, photo op stations and props, kid’s activities, book readings (at 12:30pm - Little Blue Truck and 1:30pm- The Day You Begin), food vendors, slideshow, a chance to write a personal message to the Bush family which will be delivered directly to them, and free cake for all. Read more
Maine Celebration of Reading
The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy will hold a fundraiser from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on June 10 at the Vinegar Hill Music Theatre that will include a cocktail hour, program and post program. Registration is required.
Calendar
June 12, 2025
Eleanor Roosevelt: Censorship, Past & Present
The Eleanor Roosevelt Center presents the in-person panel discussion “Eleanor Roosevelt and Censorship, Past and Present” from 6 to 7 p.m. on June 12 at Vassar College. This panel, moderated by Vassar Professor Emerita of History Miriam Cohen, will explore the legacy of Eleanor Roosevelt’s fight for free expression, the past and present of intellectual freedom, global censorship trends, and what Roosevelt’s legacy can teach us in this moment.
The panelists featured are Blanche Wiesen Cook, distinguished professor of history and women’s studies at John Jay College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York and author of her definitive biography of Eleanor Roosevelt, Vol I The Early Years 1884–1933; Vol II The Defining Years 1933- 1938; Vol III The War Years and After 1939-1962; Daniel Shank Cruz, the Special Assistant for U.S. Free Expression Programs at PEN America; Yana Gorokhovskaia, research director for strategy and design at Freedom House; and Lee Rowland, executive director of the National Coalition Against Censorship. All ticket proceeds benefit our 2nd Annual Bravery in Literature “Banned Book Awards” Ceremony on October 11th, which honors authors whose books are challenged or banned. Read more
June 12, 2025
Arts and Mental Health: Promotion and Recovery in Youth
A recent UK government study shows that consuming arts and music demonstrably improves health and well-being across all ages, genders, geography, and socioeconomic groups. The study found that even only occasionally, such as every few months, participation in the arts confers an array of “significant” benefits that can include alleviating pain, frailty, depression and dependence on medication. The Carter Center presents WABE’s Rose Scott who will moderate a panel of fascinating influencers with diverse perspectives of youth mental health and the role of the arts.
Join “Conversations at The Carter Center” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. local time on June 12 (in person or virtually) for an event with panelists Meredith O’Connor (artist, singer, model, youth mental health activist) and Mark Kendall (Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer, CoolCoolCool Productions, comedian, host of podcast “What’s Good Atlanta?”). The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required.
June 13, 2025
Legacy Lecture: Tea Time Tales of Widowed First Ladies
The National First Ladies Library & Museum presents Los Angeles-based comedian Lauren Howard Hayes, a first lady enthusiast, in the one-woman show: Tea Time Tales of Widowed First Ladies. The event will be presented virtually from noon to 1 p.m. ET.
In this performative yet informative multimedia event, Hayes brings to life the stories, secrets, and personalities of former First Ladies Mary Lincoln, Ida McKinley, Lucretia Garfield, and Jackie Kennedy in a hilarious and insightful blend of character comedy and historical storytelling. Read more
June 19, 2025
Third Thursday Wine & Cheese: Mary Lincoln’s Fashion Legacy
To honor Juneteenth, for one night only, the National First Ladies Library & Museum will unveil a breathtaking Civil War-era capelet designed by former First Lady Mary Lincoln’s dressmaker and confidante, Elizabeth Keckley—a talented Black designer who left a lasting mark on fashion and history. This exclusive, in-person showcase at 6:30 p.m EST will transport visitors to an era where style and politics intertwined, offering a rare glimpse into the first lady’s wardrobe and her remarkable relationship with Keckley. Read more
June 23, 2025
Cooking with the First Ladies with Sarah Morgan
The National First Ladies Library & Museum presents “Cooking with the First Ladies With Sarah Morgan,” a virtual program exploring the life and legacy of Barbara Bush—the beloved first lady known for her grace, compassion, and commitment to literacy. This virtual program brings history and cooking together and will guide participants through a recipe that Barbara Bush herself loved while sharing fascinating stories from Barbara’s time in the White House. Read more
June 25, 2025
People’s House Party: 1970s Prom Night
The People’s House is ready to boogie by celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first and only White House prom with a party at The People’s House: A White House Experience!
Your ticket includes two drink tickets and light 70s-themed snacks, as well as pop-up activities, prom bouquet making, and after-hours access to the galleries. And, 1970s disco or prom attire is strongly encouraged.
This event is in celebration of Civic Season, which takes place between Juneteenth and July 4, uniting our oldest federal holiday with our newest. This nationwide initiative, organized by Made By Us, connects Gen Z to history and civic engagement. Tickets can be purchased here.
Submit calendar items, announcements and press releases to East Wing Magazine at jtaylor@eastwingmagazine.com.