Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To Book "American First Ladies: Their Lives and Their Legacy"

First Lady for the Environment Homepage

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 13:23:43 GMT

Learn more about First Lady Claudia "Lady Bird" Johnson, wife of President Lyndon Baines Johnson and her work to protect the environment and bring beauty to every community. This module from the OurStory program includes active reading suggestions and discussion questions for the illustrated biography Miss Lady Bird's Wildflowers, by Kathi Appelt.

OurStory is a series of modules designed by the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of objects from the Museum's vast collections, quality children's literature, and engaging hands-on activities. Ideal for afterschool use, OurStory resources allow students to think critically, to be creative, and to achieve academic standards both in and out of the classroom.

The Smithsonian’s First Ladies Collection

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 13:37:40 GMT

This website includes 10 objects from the Smithsonian’s First Ladies Collection supplemented with contextual information. Part of the online exhibition entitled Legacies: Collecting America’s History at the Smithsonian, this resource will give students a unique look at the life of some of American’s First Ladies.

First Ladies at the Smithsonian Homepage

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 10:58:30 GMT

In addition to artifacts and background information on the first ladies, this website features thematic overviews of the many roles of the first ladies, a timeline of first ladies, and behind-the-scenes details on the history of the first ladies exhibitions at the Smithsonian. The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History's first ladies collection includes material related to their social and political activities as well as their gowns.

Caroline Harrison's 1889 Inaugural Gown

Sat, 19 Jan 2013 14:25:04 GMT

In keeping with the "America first" economic policy of her husband, Benjamin Harrison, Caroline Harrison's gown for the 1889 inaugural ball at the Pension Building was an "all-American" creation. The gown was made in New York City by William Ghormley's firm, Ghormley, Robes et Manteaux.