L-R: Dee Dee Myers, Richard Norton Smith, Anita McBride, Lisa Caputo, Allida Black [LBJ Library photo #DValdez_3412 by David Valdez]

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The Enduring Legacies of America’s First Ladies

Nov 15, 2012

The LBJ Library presented a one-day conference, The Enduring Legacies of America’s First Ladies, featuring former First Ladies staff members, children of the First Families, and Presidential photographer David Hume Kennerly. The event was presented under the direction of Conference Chair Anita McBride in partnership with American University, the White House Historical Association, the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, and the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum.

Panel One: First Ladies Through American History
Historians and former First Lady staff will review select First Ladies in history, as well as contemporary figures, and   their activism, how the position has evolved, and the traditional role of First Lady as guardian of the First Family and public image. The discussion will include anecdotal and interpretative perspectives on how a First Lady’s background shaped her personality and work.

Introduction: Alan Lowe, Director, George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Moderator:  Dee Dee Myers, former Press Secretary to President Bill Clinton
Panelists: Allida Black, Historian and Director, Eleanor Roosevelt Papers; Lisa Caputo, former Press Secretary to First Lady Hillary Clinton; Anita McBride, former Chief of Staff to First Lady Laura Bush; Richard Norton Smith, Historian and Author

Special Presentation: First Ladies: A Photographer’s View
Renowned Presidential photographer David Hume Kennerly shared some of his iconic images of First Ladies over more than 40 years.
Introduction:  Neil W. Horstman, President of the White House Historical Association

Panel Two: First Ladies – A Family View
Children of Presidents and First Ladies shared their views of life in the White House.
Introduction:  Warren Finch, Director, George Bush Presidential Library Moderator:  Jean Becker, Chief of Staff for former President George H. W. Bush and former Deputy Press Secretary to First Lady Barbara Bush
Panelists: Barbara Bush, Jenna Bush, Steve Ford, Lynda Johnson Robb
 

 To view photos and a video of A Moderated Conversation - Reflections of First Ladies with Mrs. Barbara Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush, click here.