The last Saturday in April is National First Ladies Day. This day honors the contributions of all the U.S. First Ladies. Since 1789, a First Lady has supported and worked with the president. The First Lady is usually the president’s wife. Sometimes another woman, such as a female relative, has taken the role. Let’s take a look at a few of the women who have served as First Lady: Francis Cleveland, Dolley Madison, and Eleanor Roosevelt.
Francis Cleveland: First Lady from 1886–1889 and 1893–1897
Francis Cleveland became First Lady when she married President Grover Cleveland in 1886. As she was just 21 years old, Francis Cleveland was the youngest First Lady in history. The wedding was in the White House. In 1893, she gave birth to her daughter, Esther. This is the only time in history a baby has been born in the White House. Francis Cleveland supported women’s education and helped to build free kindergarten classes. When she had receptions, or special parties, she made sure one would take place on Saturdays, so that women who worked during the week would be able to participate.
Photo Credit: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division [LC-USZ62-5946]
Dolley Madison: First Lady from 1809 to 1817
Before she was First Lady, Dolley Madison also worked with President Thomas Jefferson.
Dolley Madison was married to the fourth president, James Madison. As First Lady, she supported projects like building a home in Washington, D.C., for children who could not live with their families. She also began many traditions. One of these traditions was for the First Lady to care about the White House and the items inside.
During the War of 1812, Dolley Madison organized the effort to save many important items before the White House was burned by the British. This included documents, silver, and art. One piece of art that was saved was a painting of George Washington. This painting still hangs in the White House today!
Photo Credit: National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution
Eleanor Roosevelt: First Lady from 1933-1945
Eleanor Roosevelt (right) and Amelia Earhart (left) were friends who met in 1932.
Eleanor Roosevelt became First Lady in 1933 when her husband, Franklin D. Roosevelt, became president. She worked for the rights of African Americans, women, and young people. During the 1930s, she set up a program called the National Youth Administration, which created jobs for millions of college students. Before she became First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt worked for the Red Cross during World War I. This is an organization that helps people during emergencies. She also taught at a girls’ school.
Eleanor Roosevelt became good friends with Amelia Earhart, who was an early pilot. One night in April 1933, they both left a dinner at the White House and flew to Baltimore, Maryland and back! After this adventure, Eleanor Roosevelt got her own student pilot license!
What Do You Think? Choose a more recent First Lady to research. What projects were important to her?
Photo Credit: National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; gift of George R. Rinhart, in memory of Joan Rinhart
