Wright Joins the Ranks at the National First Ladies Day Commission
Board opens permanent seat for president generals of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The National First Ladies Day Commission has appointed Pamela Rouse Wright, the president general of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, to its board of trustees, the commission announced earlier this month.
This is the first person serving as president general of the DAR to join the NFLDC at the recommendation and invitation of Rev. Nicholas W. Inman of Marshfield, Missouri, who launched the commission in 2021 and envisioned a day to recognize and celebrate the enduring contributions of first ladies to the nation’s history, culture and civic life.
“I am delighted to accept in honor of our first President General Caroline Scott Harrison,” Wright said in a statement. Harrison served as first lady of the United States from 1889 until her death. Her husband, Benjamin Harrison, was the 23rd United States president.
The commission spotlighted Wright’s values—the importance of education, patriotism, and honoring those who have shaped the country.
“We hope Mrs. Wright will use her leadership and extensive experience to help the First Ladies Day Commission expand its outreach, promote historical awareness, and inspire community engagement in celebrating the contributions of our nation’s first ladies,” Inman told East Wing Magazine. “We look forward to working with future president generals in this seated board position as they each hold a deep appreciation for American history and their commitment to preserving the legacy of our nation’s founding principles is a passion that we all share.”
Wright is the second Texan to serve as the national society’s president general. A native Georgian, Wright was presented the Yellow Rose of Texas Award by Governor Greg Abbott, in 2022, for charitable contributions and volunteerism in Texas. Under Wright’s presidency, the DAR worked to become a more inclusive and diverse organization. In January 2023, Wright created the Lena Ferguson Scholarship for students at the University of the District of Columbia, named in honor of Lena Santos Ferguson, a black woman who was denied membership to local chapters of the organization in 1980 due to racist policies; she was later accepted as a member-at-large at the national level in 1983. Wright commissioned a commemorative plaque honoring Ferguson to be placed in the memorial garden at DAR Constitution Hall.
The NFLDC was founded in 2021 as a national initiative to honor the women who have served as first ladies of the United States through a dedicated National Day of Service. The Commission’s board of trustees includes a distinguished and diverse assembly of individuals to include presidential descendants, historians, educators, and others passionate about preserving and honoring first lady history.
Tudor Place Joins Civic Season, with After-Hours Event and National Activities
Tudor Place Historic House & Garden is proud to join hundreds of communities nationwide in bringing Civic Season to life for the fourth year in a row. As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, Civic Season—taking place June 19 through July 4—bridges Juneteenth and Independence Day, and is designed to empower young people to reflect on the past and take action to shape the future.
It’s celebrated across the country through dynamic events and programs hosted by more than 700 nonpartisan museums, libraries and historic sites, all committed to helping people connect with U.S. history and civics in relevant, engaging ways.
As a part of Civic Season, Tudor Place is hosting a special after-hours program June 24. Visitors are invited to explore the historic house, enjoy a picnic in the garden and take part in an evening of live music, hands-on crafts, refreshing mocktails and view a curated selection of 1920s objects from the Tudor Place Collection & Archive.
Tudor Place preserves the stories of six generations of descendants of Martha Washington, and the enslaved and free people who lived and labored here for nearly two centuries.
Register for the Tudor Place Civic Season event here.
Calendar
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.
July 17, 2025
Third Thursday Wine & Cheese: An Evening with Ida Saxton McKinley
The National First Ladies Library & Museum will host “Third Thursday Wine & Cheese: An Evening with Ida Saxton McKinley” on July 17 at the Saxton-McKinley House in Canton, Ohio, for a summer evening filled with flavor and history. Attendees will enjoy a curated selection of wines and cheeses while exploring First Lady Ida Saxton McKinley’s personal White House effects—featuring authentic artifacts from her years as first lady. Wander through her beautifully preserved childhood home and the First Ladies urban garden while uncovering behind-the-scenes stories of the Saxton-McKinley family. Read more
July 18, 2025
Legacy Lecture: Jackie and the Summer White House with Kate Storey
The National First Ladies Library & Museum presents a virtual lunchtime lecture with Kate Storey, bestselling author of White House by the Sea and Features Director at Rolling Stone. On Friday, July 18 at noon ET, Storey will share the behind-the-scenes of Jackie Kennedy’s life at the Summer White House in Hyannis Port—where history, family, and legacy collided.
This iconic Cape Cod retreat was Jackie’s sanctuary: where she raised her children, wrote “The Campaign Wife,” and also grieved after JFK’s assassination. Attendees will get a glimpse into the Kennedy family’s private world and the woman who helped define an era of American style and strength. Read more
July 19, 2025
Children's Book Talk: First Ladies Make History
George Washington’s Mount Vernon presents a reading of First Ladies Make History by authors Anita McBride and Giovanna McBride at 12:30 p.m. on July 19 in the Robert H. and Clarice Smith Auditorium. This children’s book explains there is no rule book defining the role of the first lady, yet the first ladies have worked hard to make the world a better place for more than two hundred years. First Ladies Make History takes young readers on a journey with the first ladies to discover the important contributions they have made throughout American history.
Pick up your copy at The Shops at Mount Vernon, and have it signed from 1 to 2 p.m. Read more
Aug. 8, 2025
Legacy Lecture “In Her Steps: Betty Ford’s Life in Motion”
The National First Ladies Library & Museum presents the virtual Legacy Lecture “In Her Steps: Betty Ford’s Life in Motion,” on Friday, Aug. 8, at noon ET by Sharon Snowden, a former state president for Colonial Dames 17th Century and Daughters of the American Colonists. Snowden Among is also a docent at the National First Ladies Historical Site. She presents portrayals all over Ohio of many first ladies and historic women, as well as other programs for children and adults.
Betty Ford is a first lady who reshaped the role through her candid activism and powerful advocacy on women’s rights, addiction, and health. Explore Betty Ford’s journey from dancer to first lady and discover how she broke barriers during and after her time in the White House. Read more
Submit calendar items, announcements and press releases to East Wing Magazine at jtaylor@eastwingmagazine.com.
Thank you Jennifer for such generous coverage. The Board of Trustees of the National First Ladies Day Commission is grateful.