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 women!
Talk with a Curator
February 12, 2025, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
VIRTUAL: Join Michelle Gullion, our Senior Director of Collections & Research, for a fascinating virtual exploration of the National First Ladies Library & Museum's collection. This exclusive program unveils hidden artifacts and insights into the preservation of personal items that tell the remarkable stories of America’s First Ladies. Perfect for history lovers, this program invites you to see the past in a new light and learn about the work of museum conservation. Grab your virtual seat for this unique experience!
Legacy Lecture: “Unbought and Unbossed” Shirley Chisholm with Dr. Anastasia Curwood
February 14, 2025, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
VIRTUAL: Celebrate Black History Month with a deep dive into the legacy of Shirley Chisholm, a pioneer who transformed U.S. politics as the first Black woman in Congress and a fierce advocate for social justice. Join Dr. Anastasia Curwood, author of Shirley Chisholm: Champion of Black Feminist Power Politics, as she shares insights into Chisholm’s powerful journey and contributions to Black feminist politics. Through her congressional career and groundbreaking run for the presidency, Chisholm inspired future generations with her message of resilience, equality, and being truly “unbought and unbossed.”
Third Thursday Night Out: Wine & Cheese with the First Ladies
February 20, 2025, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
IN PERSON: Looking for a fun and enlightening night out? Join us for our Third Thursday Night Out with the First Ladies at the National First Ladies Library & Museum! Indulge in wine, cheese, and delicious appetizers as our curator offers a guided tour through our new exhibit, Leaders in Literacy: First Ladies as Teachers, Educators, and Librarians. Each month, we explore a different theme—this February, we’ll highlight the teaching careers of First Ladies Abigail Fillmore, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Laura Bush. Celebrate their dedication to education and learn about the passions that shaped these influential women.
First Ladies on the Page Book Club: American Daughters by Piper Huguley
February 24, 2025, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
VIRTUAL: Step into the lives of two remarkable women with this month’s book club selection, American Daughters by Piper Huguley. This historical novel explores the lifelong friendship between Portia Washington, daughter of the legendary educator Booker T. Washington, and Alice Roosevelt, daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt. Despite their different backgrounds, Portia and Alice’s friendship helped them face the challenges of marriage, motherhood, and societal expectations in the early 1900s. Huguley’s rich storytelling brings this dynamic era and these courageous women to life. Join us for a discussion on February 24 at 7:00 PM—everyone is welcome!
Ohio History Day Region 5 Contest
March 1, 2025, 9:00am-4:00pm
IN PERSON: Join us for the exciting Ohio History Day Region 5 Contest! This annual event invites students in grades 6–12 to present their historical research projects based on this year’s theme, "Rights and Responsibilities in History." Compete for a chance to advance to the state level and beyond!
Registration Opens: November 25, 2024
Contest Registration Deadline: February 12, 2025
Project Submission Deadline: February 21, 2025
Legacy Lecture: Elizabeth Packard: The Woman Who Would Not Be Silenced
March 14, 2025, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
VIRTUAL: This Women’s History Month, join us for an inspiring Legacy Lecture featuring Laura Keyes in her portrayal of Elizabeth Packard. Wrongfully committed to an asylum by her husband in 1860, Packard waged a courageous fight for freedom and justice that led to reforms for women’s legal rights. Laura’s performance takes us to the heart of Elizabeth’s struggle in a time when women had little control over their own fates. Don’t miss this special presentation—reserve your spot for this free event today!
Third Thursday Night Out: Wine & Cheese with the First Ladies
March 20, 2025, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
IN PERSON: Indulge in an evening at the museum with friends or a loved one! This Third Thursday Night Out, enjoy wine, cheese, and appetizers as our curator introduces you to the “Leaders in Literacy” exhibit. Discover the educational contributions of First Ladies Abigail Fillmore, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Laura Bush and the significant impact they had on American literacy and learning. This unique program offers an exclusive, in-depth look at their legacies in education—secure your spot today!
Special Cooking with the First Ladies: Women’s History Month Program
March 24, 2025, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
VIRTUAL: Join us for a delicious evening exploring the lesser-known heroes of World War II: the women of Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Historian Sarah Morgan will share the fascinating lives of the Calutron Girls, who unknowingly contributed to the Manhattan Project while managing family meals. This special program also highlights the wartime contributions of First Ladies Eleanor Roosevelt and Bess Truman. All participants will receive links to authentic recipes from the 1940s, bringing this history to life in your own kitchen!