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“It has been made plain that much of [our country’s success was due to the character of the women of that [Revolutionary] era.”
First Ladies of the US Caroline Harrison Full Image

Caroline Harrison

Caroline Lavinia Scott Harrison
Years of service: 1889-1892
Born: 1832

First Ladies of the US Caroline Harrison Full Image

With a degree in music from the Oxford Female Institute, Caroline briefly taught college in Kentucky before marrying Benjamin Harrison. However, painting was her passion, and Caroline devoted more time to it as her children grew older. Her art studio on the third floor of the White House was a haven from her busy life as First Lady. She took particular interest in the White House China collection. Caroline designed her White House China with golden rods and corn stalks, symbols of her mid-west roots. Caroline helped found the Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. As the first DAR President-General, her speech at the White House marked the first national address for a sitting First Lady. She was so publicly active that Americans were shocked when Caroline succumbed to tuberculosis on October 25, 1892.

 

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Leaders in Literacy

4/30/2024 through 4/30/2025

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First Ladies as Teachers, Educators, and Librarians.

The right to an education is a foundational principle of America’s history, and many First Ladies have taken up this cause. We celebrate National First Ladies Day by kicking off this featured exhibit, presented by Huntington Bank.