First Ladies

objective

• to understand and appreciate thecontributions and roles of the FirstLadies throughout history.

to get things started…

• “The role of First Lady is whatever theFirst Lady wants it to be.”

– do you agree or disagree with thisstatement? Why?

– First Lady, Laura Bush.

how have first ladies beenviewed over time?

what are some of thetraditional roles that First

Ladies have filled?

• setting fashion standards

• uplifting national spirit during a crisis.

• serving as the White House Representative inareas of special interest to women.

• campaigning for her husband (both with andwithout him)

• promoting charities and causes.

• accompanying the President at importantfunctions.

• making goodwill travel missions.

• serving as White House hostess.

• maintaining the role of wife and mother.

• taking a role in White House renovation,restoration, and preservation.

What are some non-traditional roles that First

Ladies have filled?

• advising the President.

• lobbying for causesbehind the scenes.

• taking a high profile moral stand.

Eleanor Roosevelt resigned from the Daughtersof the American Revolution in protest of itsrefusal to allow African American vocalist MarionAnderson to sing at Constitution Hall.

• assuming important roles after being FirstLady.

• taking a stand for the rights of women.

• Prior to her marriage to John F. Kennedy,Jacqueline Bouvier worked as a reporter andphotographer for the Washington Times-Herald, earning $42.50 per week. She wrote acolumn titled "Inquiring Camera Girl byJacqueline Bouvier." Later in her life, Mrs.Kennedy served as a well-respected bookeditor.

• having a career.

ponder this…

1. what role is most important for FirstLadies to fill?

2. do you think any of these roles areinappropriate for the First Lady to fill?

3. how might these roles be different thefirst time we have a female presidentand her husband is the First Spouse?