This Week: First Ladies Are the Talk in Key West Events
Plus, the White House ballroom project is set for discussion before a second federal panel.
America’s first ladies will be the topic of events Friday and Saturday at the Harry S. Truman Little White House in Key West, Florida, in honor of the yearlong celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation will present a first ladies authors talk, a first ladies dinner and a special program discussing First Lady Bess Truman, wife of Harry S. Truman who served as president from 1945 to 1953.
On Friday, attendees are invited to join on the Harry S. Truman Little White House’s lawn to discuss the book, Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History-Making Women, with the co-authors, Anita B. McBride, Diana B. Carlin and Nancy Kegan Smith and moderator Kurt Graham, president of the Adams Presidential Center in Quincy, Massachusetts, and former director of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence, Missouri.
Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History-Making Women, a groundbreaking book, shows the evolutionary role of the first lady and its historic importance on the American presidency. It shines a light on the influential women who broke barriers and made a mark on the country and, at times, the world, during their tenures in the White House. Readers, through biographical and thematic chapters, learn about the development and expansion of the role of first lady, from its origins under Martha Washington through Dr. Jill Biden.
A book signing starts at 4 p.m. local time and the program begins at 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.
Later in the evening on Friday, the Harry S. Truman Little White House will host “First Ladies Dinner” that features entrees inspired by the favorite recipes of six different first ladies. Instagram personality Sarah Morgan of Cooking With The First Ladies will host a discussion about each first lady while chefs at the Key West Cooking Show will demonstrate how to make the recipes.
Attendees will start the meal with Helen Taft’s lemon champagne punch, followed by Caroline Harrison’s fish chowder. For the entrée, Harriet Lane’s mashed potatoes will be served with Jacqueline Kennedy’s poulet á l’estragon. Finally, for dessert Rosalynn Carter’s peanut butter pie and Florence Harding’s almond cookies will be served. Attendees take home a goodie bag that will include a booklet with all of the recipes and some background on each first lady.
Dinner begins 30 minutes after the conclusion of the First Ladies author event at the Harry S. Truman Little White House at about 7 p.m. local time. Seating is limited. Sales for the dinner are open to members only. The event will take place at the Key West Cooking Show located at 291 Front Street, Suite 207—upstairs in the Shops at Mallory. Become a member and purchase tickets here.
And on Saturday, the Little White House will host the program “Remembering the Boss: Bess Truman at America’s 250” to discuss the life of Bess Truman, wife of President Harry S. Truman, with McBride, director of the First Ladies Initiative at American University and former chief of staff to former First Lady Laura Bush, and Clifton Truman Daniel, the oldest Truman grandson. The discussion will be moderated by Graham.
One aspect of the discussion, according to Stacey Marchak, deputy director of The Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation, is to dispel some misunderstandings about Bess Truman.
“A lot of people thought badly of Bess spending so much time away from the White House and didn’t really understand that she did this out of duty to her mother,” Marchak told East Wing Magazine in an interview about the events.
The event, presented by The Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation, welcomes attendees at 4:30 p.m. local time with the program starting at 5 p.m. Purchase tickets here.
It’s the foundation’s hope with these events, according to Marchak, that people will walk away with a better sense and appreciation for the significant role first ladies played in this country since the very beginning.
“These ladies have gotten so little attention and so little credit for what they’ve done,” Marchak said. “And [they] really have done some great things.”
With New Members Installed, Federal Commission to Review White House Ballroom Plans
President Donald Trump last week appointed four new members to the Commission of Fine Arts, a second federal board that will review the president’s plans to build a 90,000-square-foot, $400 million ballroom in what the White House dubbed the East Wing Modernization project.
Seven members typically make up the commission, but four members gives the panel the ability to meet. One of the new members, according to The Associated Press, is James McCrery, the initial architect of the ballroom project who withdrew from the project. Shalom Baranes of the Washington, D.C.-based architectural firm Shalom Baranes Associates (ABA) was hired by the Trump administration in November and has since taken over the project.
The East Wing Modernization project is scheduled for discussion by the commission on Thursday at 9 a.m. EST via Zoom, according to the commission’s website.
An overview of the “East Wing Modernization Project” was held earlier this month before the National Capital Planning Commission, (NCPC) a board that oversees federal construction projects in Washington, D.C. The concept plans drew concerns from two NCPC commissioners about the footprint and height of the proposed ballroom. Concerns were also raised about the presentation that “segmented” the project by introducing a proposed one-story addition to the West Wing colonnade that, according to Baranes, is being considered by the White House and vague statements about beautifying the visitor experience in Lafayette Park, which is located across Pennsylvania Avenue north of the White House.
East Wing Magazine’s mission
We are an independent, journalistic-driven publication dedicated to objectively covering presidential first ladies present and past, regardless of political affiliation. First ladies’ causes, initiatives and actions can have lasting impact on society. Tracking their work and the work of those who study the women contributes to the historic arc of America’s presidential spouses as figures in their own right.
If you like what you see and enjoy this community, please consider becoming a paid subscriber.
Calendar
Jan. 28, 2026
FLARE Virtual Program: A Tour of the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace & Museum
The First Ladies Association for Research and Education presents the virtual program “A Tour of the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace & Museum from 7 to 9 p.m. on Jan. 28, 2026. The program will showcase the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace and Museum in Wytheville, Virginia. View here
Jan. 29, 2026
A Taste of History: Social Diplomacy through Food and Wine
The People’s House: A White House Experience presents an in-person evening of culture, conversation, and history in “A Taste of History: Social Diplomacy Through Food and Wine” at 6:30 p.m. EST on January 29, 2026. Enjoy a taste of thoughtfully selected wines paired with delicious small bites, all inspired by the rich culinary traditions of the White House. This guided tasting is a perfect night out for wine lovers, history buffs, and anyone looking for a unique experience. Read more
Feb. 6, 2026
Legacy Lecture: An Unlikely Friendship – The Story of Two First Ladies
Explore the extraordinary 40-year friendship between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune, the “First Lady of the Struggle” in a virtual presentation by the National First Ladies Library & Museum on February 6, 2026, from noon to 1 p.m. EST. In this inspiring Legacy Lecture, historical performers Jeannine Gaskin and Ruth Pangrace of Women in History Ohio bring these extraordinary women to life through vivid storytelling, dialogue, and dramatic interpretation. The women shared a remarkable 40-year friendship built on mutual respect and a shared vision for equality. Together, they championed civil rights, education, and social justice during some of the most challenging decades in American history. Read more
Feb. 27, 2026
Jackie & Monte – A Legacy of Style
Join television personality Monte Durham as he honors the timeless elegance of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The National First Ladies Library & Museum invites guests to “Jackie & Monte – A Legacy of Style.” This evening, hosted by Durham, honors the timeless elegance of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, a woman whose influence on fashion and culture still inspires the world today. This exclusive event will be held at the luxurious Zazu Salon, located at 445 5th Avenue South, Unit 205 in Naples, Florida, on February 27, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.. Tickets are $125 per guest and can be reserved here.