How to Support East Wing Magazine
How to Support East Wing Magazine
It is said that journalism is the first draft of history. For as long as editors and historians were occupations mostly filled by men (yes, things are progressing), then it isn’t surprising that women’s stories have been overlooked. And among these stories include the telling of America’s most iconic women—presidential first ladies. History shows that as influential as presidential spouses are, their stories are only just beginning to emerge.
Welcome to East Wing Magazine.
East Wing Magazine is the first journalistic-driven publication dedicated exclusively to covering first ladies past and present, and perhaps soon, a first gentleman. This publication focuses on re-casting the stories of these American women from a feminist perspective, reexamining the legacies of presidential spouses and amplifying the work of the community striving to elevate their stories.
The magazine launched its first online issue Aug. 2, 2023, with great enthusiasm. We cover current events surrounding the sitting first lady and living former first ladies. We dig deeper into the stories that stem from their influence. And, we re-examine the stories of early first ladies, investigating how they wielded power in the White House and paved the way for the presidential spouses who followed them. And, we’re monitoring the prospects of a first, first gentleman.
East Wing Magazine draws on the work of preeminent women scholars who are challenging standing historical narratives about first ladies that are often tinged with sexism. To date, among the scholars we have interviewed include:
Katherine A. S. Sibley, a professor of History and director of American Studies at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia;
MaryAnne Borrelli, Ph.D., an author and professor of government at Connecticut College;
Karen Kedrowski, Ph.D., director of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics at Iowa State University;
Anita McBride, director of American University's First Ladies Initiative and former chief of staff to former First Lady Laura Bush;
Diana B. Carlin, Professor Emerita of Communication at Saint Louis University and vice president of the First Ladies Association for Research and Education;
Nancy Kegan Smith, former director of the Presidential Materials Division of the National Archives and Records Administration and president of the First Ladies Association for Research and Education;
Allida Black, historian and advisor to Hillary Clinton;
Lisa Burns, a first ladies scholar and Quinnipiac University media studies professor who edited Media Relations and the Modern First Lady;
Teri Finneman, a journalism professor at the University of Kansas who studies media portrayals of first ladies;
Elizabeth J. Natalle, associate professor emeritus in the Department of Communication Studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and author of Michelle Obama: First Lady, American Rhetor;
Heath Hardage Lee, historian and author of The Mysterious Mrs. Nixon: The Life and Times of Washington’s Most Private First Lady.
And many more.
The publication also features voices from first ladies’ descendants and former White House staff including Susan Ford Bales, daughter of Gerald and Betty Ford; Anna Eleanor Fierst, great-granddaughter of Eleanor Roosevelt; and Deb Eschmeyer, former executive director of Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” initiative and current chair of PLEZi Nutrition’s Kitchen Cabinet advisory board.
East Wing Magazine is produced by journalists with decades of collective experience. Founder and Editor Jennifer Taylor has worked for more than 20 years in the field, with work published in CBS News online, Treatment Magazine, Modern Farmer, Earth Island Journal, the Chicago Tribune and The Kansas City Star. Contributing Editor Erin Donaghue, a former CBS News online staff writer and In These Times investigative editor, brings more than 15 years of experience. Donaghue’s writing has been featured in The Washington Post, USA Today, Jezebel and Smithsonian Magazine. Contributing Editor William Wagner is an award-winning writer and editor who’s been at it for thirty-plus years. He has written for everything from Sports Illustrated to the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, and also is the author of a nonfiction book on the Chicago Cubs titled Wrigley Blues and a novel titled Talking ’Bout My Generation.
We want to give readers content that demonstrates the first lady, and possibly a first, first gentleman, is more than a role, as the position is often described. Their influence on culture, policy and politics continues to unfold and should be captured in real time, not just through the lens of history or political backlash.
The magazine’s inaugural edition on Aug. 2, 2023, presented its central feature analyzing Rosalynn Carter’s pivotal decision of having an office and staff in the East Wing, the first, first lady to do so. Creating a permanent, structured space signaled a change in the White House, forever. It also mirrored much of what was unfolding with women’s rights across the country at the time. The publication, as its title suggests, recognizes the trail-blazing path her legacy created.
The digital publication posts weekly with a calendar feature that includes events, announcements and press releases; a journalistic reported feature; and The Weekly Wrap that includes a roundup of first ladies in the headlines. Readers can follow East Wing Magazine at @eastwingmagazine on Instagram and @eastwingmag on X. More information about the magazine can be found at its website.
Subscribe Now at the Level That’s Right for You
Subscription Plans:
Free!
Become a free subscriber and discover the stories unfolding about America’s first ladies and potentially a first, first gentleman. Includes occasional free posts.
Take Initiative with a one-time $5 tip
Do you like what East Wing Magazine has to offer? Do you want to see more quality journalism covering first ladies and the East Wing? This one-time tip lets us know you appreciate what our publication has to offer and will help us keep up the good work.
Tap the button and offer the Take Initiative $5 tip:
History Maker $60/year subscription
Let’s make history together! With this subscription level you’ll discover, learn and strengthen the legacy. This includes:
All access to posts and the full archive.
Tap the button to subscribe as a History Maker for $60/year:
Founder $100/year subscription
Become part of the community that recognizes that first ladies stories need to be told. As a founder, you’ll be recognized as part of the solution. This includes:
All access to posts and the full archive
Your name displayed on East Wing Magazine’s Founders Page
Tap the button to subscribe as a Founder for $100/year:
Founder Extra: A one-time $500 purchase
Let’s have a conversation. I want to hear about your interest in first ladies. And, I’m happy to share my thoughts on covering first ladies and the future of the magazine.
This one-time purchase includes:
A one-year subscription to East Wing Magazine
All access to posts and the full archive
Your name displayed on East Wing Magazine’s Founders Page
A one-hour personal Zoom call with East Wing Magazine Founder and Editor Jennifer Taylor. This time can be used one-on-one or with a select group.
Contact Jennifer Taylor at jtaylor@eastwingmagazine.com
Tap the button to make a one-time Founder Extra purchase for $500:
Select Sponsor: A one-time $1,000 purchase
You see the vision and you’d like to participate.
This one-time purchase includes:
A one-year subscription to East Wing Magazine
All access to posts and the full archive
Your name displayed on East Wing Magazine’s Founders Page
A one-hour personal Zoom call with East Wing Magazine Founder and Editor Jennifer Taylor. This time can be used one-on-one or with a select group.
Plus:
An opportunity to place your logo or ad in stories and magazine features for 12 months.
Contact Jennifer Taylor at jtaylor@eastwingmagazine.com
Tap the link to make a one-time Select Sponsor purchase for $1,000: