2026-03-31
Historic, bipartisan show of unity underscores shared commitment to education, civic leadership, and America’s 250th anniversary
CANTON, OHIO — In an historic moment, the National First Ladies Library & Museum (NFLLM), the only museum in the world dedicated exclusively to inspiring, empowering, and educating through the stories of the First Ladies of the United States, announced today that five living First Ladies will serve together as Honorary Chairs of its National Advisory Board.
The distinguished group includes Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton, Mrs. Laura Bush, Mrs. Michelle Obama, Dr. Jill Biden, and current First Lady Mrs. Melania Trump representing decades of public service, leadership, advocacy, and impact across American history.
This extraordinary coming together of First Ladies across administrations and political affiliations signals a shared belief in the enduring importance of civic education, women’s leadership, and preserving the stories that shape the nation.
“The central project of American democracy has always been expanding our understanding of who gets to shape it,” said Hillary Rodham Clinton. “The First Ladies Library and Museum reminds us that even as that endeavor moves forward in fits and starts, our country is better off because of women’s contributions — from the East Wing to every corner of American life — and it’s our job to keep it that way.”
Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton, former First Lady, U.S. Senator, Secretary of State, and lifelong public servant has visited the National First Ladies Historic Site. Her career has exemplified global leadership, diplomacy, and advocacy for women and families, making her voice and perspective integral to the Museum’s national mission.
Mrs. Laura Bush, a longtime advocate for literacy, education, historical preservation and conservation, has been a champion of the National First Ladies Library & Museum since its earliest days. She visited the site in Canton, Ohio, and experienced firsthand the power of telling American history through the lives and leadership of First Ladies.
Mrs. Michelle Obama brought renewed focus to health, education, military families, and civic engagement during her time as First Lady. Her leadership continues to inspire the next generation to see public service as a powerful vehicle for change.
Dr. Jill Biden, a classroom teacher for over 30 years, who maintained her full-time career while First Lady, promoted quality education for everyone. As First Lady, she advocated for community colleges, military families, families confronting cancer, and advancing research into women’s health. Her lifelong dedication to teaching reflects the Museum’s core commitment to learning and empowerment
Mrs. Melania Trump, the current First Lady of the United States, has championed the well-being of children, including young people who lived in foster care, in the digital age. Through her BE BEST initiatives, including Fostering the Future, Mrs. Trump has successfully directed millions in funding to support youth leaving foster care, secured new federal protections for children online, and assembled a coalition of 45 first spouses from around the world to help children learn, grow, and thrive through the safe and innovative use of advanced technology.
Together, these women will serve as Honorary Chairs of the National Advisory Board, lending their voices, leadership, and advocacy to support the Museum’s mission and to elevate the stories of all First Ladies past, present, and future.
David Lee, President & CEO of the National First Ladies Library & Museum, reflected on the significance of the moment: “The story of America cannot be told without the story of its First Ladies. Across time, across parties, and across personal causes, these women have shaped our nation in profound and often unseen ways. As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, the decision of these First Ladies to come together around a shared vision - one rooted in education, empowerment, and historical understanding - sends a powerful message about unity, leadership, and the enduring strength of our democracy.”
The announcement comes as the nation prepares to commemorate America 250, marking 250 years since the founding of the United States. The National First Ladies Library & Museum is uniquely positioned to help Americans reflect on the country’s past while inspiring future generations through the stories of women who helped lead from the White House and beyond.
Located in Canton, Ohio, the National First Ladies Library & Museum serves as a national center for education, civic engagement, exhibitions, and scholarship bringing American history to life through the lens of the First Ladies who shaped it.