Tonight: First Ladies Book Discussion on Helen Taft, Our Musical First Lady
Plus, catch up on The First Ladies Podcast and check out Cooking with the First Ladies.
Join the National First Ladies Library & Museum tonight for an intriguing discussion about Helen “Nellie” Taft, first lady from 1909 to 1913. In this fascinating staff-led discussion from 7 to 8 p.m. EDT, historian Lewis L. Gould has brought a shadowy first lady into the light and restored her to a rightful place as a patron of music.
Helen Herron Taft came to the White House intent on establishing Washington, D.C., as the nation's cultural capital. A stroke in May 1909 made her a semi-invalid, impaired her speech, and disrupted her agenda. Historians have written her off as a shrewish figure who pushed her portly husband into the presidency. Gould challenges this outdated narrative.
The discussion will meet on Zoom. This interactive program will not be recorded. Zoom info, questions, and pertinent links will be sent out to participants before the meeting. Read more
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