Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America's History-Making Women

Remember the First Ladies: The Legacy of America's History-Making Women is a groundbreaking book showing the evolutionary role of first lady and its historic importance on the American presidency. In this revised first edition, Diana B. Carlin, Anita B. McBride, and Nancy Kegan Smith share new insights and information on the influential women who broke barriers and made a mark on our country and, at times, our world, during their tenures in the White House.

The book includes both biographical and thematic chapters. It examines the influence of the first ladies on topics such as civil rights, political campaigns, major speeches, and the White House across the span of the nation's history. Profiles of first ladies bring their histories, achievements, and legacies to life. Readers learn about the development and expansion of the role of first lady, from its origins under Martha Washinton to Melania Trump.

Diana B. Carlin is Professor Emerita of Communication at Saint Louis University and a retired professor of communication studies at the University of Kansas. She has taught courses on first ladies at three universities.

Nancy Kegan Smith retired in 2012 as Director of the Presidential Materials Division of the National Archives and Records Administration. She is co-editor of Modern First Ladies: Their Documentary Legacy and lectures on first ladies and presidential records.

Anita B. McBride is Director of the First Ladies Initiative at American University, School of Public Affairs. Her experience includes service in three U.S. presidential administrations at the White House and Department of State and as chief of staff to First Lady Laura Bush.