America’s First Ladies have often been regarded as “paper-doll” supports for the presidents. They were long expected to be accessories, who could, as Bess Truman put it, “sit beside her husband, be silent, and be sure her hat is on straight.” A closer look reveals, however, that the women who assumed this unelected role shaped it from their own singular perspectives in their time and place. Each session will focus on two of ten amazing women who did it their way. Northern First Ladies with Boston ties are Abigail Adams and Jackie Kennedy. Others rooted in New England include Edith Roosevelt and Grace Coolidge. From warmer climes, with their quintessentially Southern hospitality, are Dolley Madison and Rosalynn Carter. Strong midwestern values mark Bess Truman and Helen (Nelly) Taft. Finally, moving west and southwest, we’ll explore the individualism of Lady Bird Johnson and Lou Hoover.