UPCOMING EVENTS
STEP INSIDE HISTORY
Get to know what made our First Ladies tick with deep dives into their careers, passions, hobbies, and even recipes. Our in-person events are perfect for girls’ night out, a historic date with someone you love, or a fascinating learning experience with the whole family. And our online events are a wonderful way to learn more about these amazing ladies!
FREE FAMILY EVENT: National Public Lands Day
September 27, 2025, 9:00am - 4:00pm
FREE FAMILY EVENT: Celebrate National Public Lands Day at the First Ladies National Historic Site! Enjoy FREE admission to enjoy guided tours of the Saxton House as well as garden games and music in the park. This event is part of a national movement to preserve and enjoy America’s public lands for future generations, and we’re proud to partner with the National Park Service (NPS) to make this celebration happen.
Legacy Lecture: Martha Washington – Women and Music in Early America
October 10, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm
VIRTUAL: Explore the musical world of Martha Washington and the women of early America with expert David Hildebrand. This engaging virtual lecture includes live and recorded music, fascinating stories, and a glimpse into 18th-century cultural life.
Third Thursdays Wine & Cheese with the First Ladies: Threads of Legacy
October 16, 2025 6:30pm - 8:00pm
IN-PERSON: Discover how First Ladies used needlework as a form of expression, comfort, and cultural connection – from Martha Washington to Michelle Obama. Join needlework researcher Denise Layman for wine, cheese, and a one-of-a-kind storytelling evening. Third Thursdays generously supported by Employers Health.
Storytime & More with Stark Library
October 31, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm
IN-PERSON: Help your little one take the first step toward school success with Storytime & More! This interactive event in partnership with Stark Library uses stories, songs, rhymes, and art to build early literacy skills and spark your child’s imagination. Free for children birth to preschool.
Talk with a Curator
November 12, 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm
VIRTUAL: Join our Director of Collections & Research, Michelle Gullion, for a rare behind-the-scenes look at the First Ladies artifacts and stories you won’t see on display.
Legacy Lecture: Mrs. Lincoln in Love - with Laura Keyes
November 14, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm
VIRTUAL: Experience Mary Lincoln like never before in this live, first-person performance by Laura Keyes. Discover her story through personal reflections and Abraham Lincoln’s real love letters.
Third Thursday: A Widow’s Work—Jacqueline Kennedy and the JFK Legacy
November 20, 2025 6:30pm - 8:00pm
IN-PERSON: Discover how Jacqueline Kennedy transformed personal grief into national legacy. Join historian Karen Dunak for a compelling evening exploring JFK’s funeral, the "Camelot" myth, and Mrs. Kennedy’s lasting influence on presidential memory. Third Thursdays generously supported by Employers Health.
Storytime & More with Stark Library
November 21, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm
IN-PERSON: Help your little one take the first step toward school success with Storytime & More! This interactive event in partnership with Stark Library uses stories, songs, rhymes, and art to build early literacy skills and spark your child’s imagination. Free for children birth to preschool.
First Ladies on the Page Book Club: Upstairs at the White House: My Life with the First Ladies
November 24, 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm
VIRTUAL: Join us for a virtual book club featuring J.B. West’s bestselling memoir about life behind the scenes with six presidents and their First Ladies.