Nancy Kegan Smith

Cognella Press is proud to announce the publication of Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History-Making Women by Diana B. Carlin, Anita B. McBride, and Nancy Kegan Smith. Remember the First Ladies is a groundbreaking book showing the evolutionary role of first lady and its historic importance on the American presidency. The book shines a light on the influential women who broke barriers and made a mark on our country and, at times, our world, during their tenures in the White House. The book includes both biographical and thematic chapters. It examines the influence of first ladies on topics such as civil rights, political campaigns, major speeches, and the White House across the span of the nation’s history. Profiles of first ladies bring their histories, achievements, and legacies to life. Readers learn about the development and expansion of the role of first lady, from its origins under Martha Washington through its current iteration under Dr. Jill Biden. The book explores how first ladies have been uniquely positioned to influence American society, policy, diplomacy, and life in the White House.

Their contributions are enduring. Their influence is profound. Their legacies touch our everyday lives. In Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America's History-Making Women, communication, history, and government scholars and professionals Diana B. Carlin, Anita B. McBride, and Nancy Kegan Smith provide readers with an illuminating and highly personal exploration of the lives and legacies of U. S. first ladies. Readers learn about the role of first lady, from its origins under Martha Washington through its current iteration under Dr. Jill Biden. The book explores how first ladies have been uniquely positioned to influence American society, policy, diplomacy, and the life in the White House. Profiles of first ladies bring their histories, achievements, and legacies to life. Remember the First Ladies is a groundbreaking book showing the evolutionary role of first lady. It shines a light on the influential women who have broken barriers and made a mark on our country and, at times, our world during their tenures in the White House.

Filling a gap in academic literature, U. S. First Ladies: Making History and Leaving Legacies, examines how first ladies are uniquely positioned to influence American society, public policy, politics, diplomacy, and life in the White House. The textbook explores the development and evolution of the role of the first lady, their initiatives and substantive contributions, rhetorical activities, and their lasting legacies throughout U. S. history. Profiles of first ladies from Martha Washington to Dr. Jill Biden help students learn about the women behind the title and their unique journeys. Thematic chapters trace first ladies' actions on civil rights; significant speeches and communication strategies; impact on the White House, and the Office of the First Lady; political campaigns; and foundations established to sustain their contributions. Student research activities are enhanced through a chapter on primary source materials and lists for further reading. In addition, each chapter features learning objectives, key terms, a chronology of significant historical events, and reflection opportunities. U. S. First Ladies is an ideal resource for courses and programs in American history, American studies, women's studies, political science, and media and communication studies.