Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter Visit First Ladies in Atlanta

By Ned Schano
Communication Manager, Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center, Pittsburgh, PA

First ladies have always fascinated the nation. From the bubbly Dolley Madison in the early 1800s to the politically outspoken Eleanor Roosevelt in the 1940s and the exquisite Jacqueline Kennedy in the 1960s, first ladies seem to be every bit a part of the news of the day as their presidential husbands.

Although first ladies are unelected and unpaid, they occupy an important position of power. Most have been symbols of womanhood and home life, as well as crucial political allies on the campaign trail.

But whether behind-the-scenes or in the public eye, first ladies continue to be relevant long after their time in Washington, D.C. To celebrate the uniquely American institution of “first lady,” SITES is currently touring the popular First Ladies: Political Role and Public Image exhibit across the nation. The exhibit explores women’s political history in the United States and celebrates the remarkable individuals who have occupied this demanding post, from the original first lady, Martha Washington, to our current first lady, Laura Bush.

On Oct. 22, First Ladies made its fourth stop of a national tour at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta. The exhibit opening brought out none other than former President Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Carter, both of whom were impressed with the exhibit. When asked about his thoughts on being the first former president to view the exhibit, Carter noted, “Well, that’s because I’m the president who’s the most subservient to his wife.”

Although Carter was the first former president to tour the exhibit, he certainly was not the first dignitary. In fact, several of our most recent first ladies have visited the exhibit, including Barbara Bush and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.

In its current form, the touring exhibit features more than 150 objects from the Smithsonian’s collection, including more than two centuries of elegant inaugural and evening gowns, White House furnishings and china, photographs and portraits, and campaign and personal memorabilia.

Noted historian Edith P. Mayo, who is the curator of the permanent exhibit of the same title at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, also developed the traveling exhibit. Following its stop in Atlanta, First Ladies will move to the Missouri Historical Society in St. Louis and then to Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri.

>>Read more about First Ladies: Political Role and Public Image

>>Visit the National Museum of American History

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