Remember the First Ladies
The Legacies of America's History-Making Women
(Revised First Edition)
©2027, 562 pages
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Remember the First Ladies: The Legacy of America’s History-Making Women is a groundbreaking book showing the evolutionary role of first lady and its historic importance on the American presidency. In this revised first edition, Diana B. Carlin, Anita B. McBride, and Nancy Kegan Smith share new insights and information 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 the 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 Washinton to Melania Trump.
The book includes both biographical and thematic chapters. It examines the influence of the 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 Washinton to Melania Trump.
Diana B. Carlin is Professor Emerita of Communication at Saint Louis University and a retired professor of communication studies at the University of Kansas. She has taught courses on first ladies at three universities.
Anita B. McBride is Director of the First Ladies Initiative at American University, School of Public Affairs. Her experience includes service in three U.S. presidential administrations at the White House and Department of State and as chief of staff to First Lady Laura Bush.
Nancy Kegan Smith retired in 2012 as Director of the Presidential Materials Division of the National Archives and Records Administration. She is co-editor of Modern First Ladies: Their Documentary Legacy and lectures on first ladies and presidential records.
The three authors write and lecture extensively on first ladies and are founding members of the First Ladies Association for Research and Education (FLARE).
Other Cognella titles by Diana Carlin:The three authors write and lecture extensively on first ladies and are founding members of the First Ladies Association for Research and Education (FLARE).
Other Cognella titles by Anita McBride:
Other Cognella titles by Nancy Kegan Smith:
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Reviews from the First Edition
"Over my decades in politics, including during my tenure in the White House, I have witnessed the office of the first lady transform. Presidential spouses have advocated on important issues, become cultural icons, and even run for the presidency themselves. And looking ahead to the next 50 years, I expect first ladies—and hopefully first gentlemen—will continue to play a decisive role on the national scene. That's why Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History Making Women is an indispensable primer for any informed citizen/students of politics. Diana B. Carlin, Anita B. McBride, and Nancy Kegan Smith have given us a guidebook to the history of this unique role—and a road map for its future."
Mack McLarty, Former Chief of Staff to President Bill Clinton
“Lady Bird Johnson famously said, ‘[The job of First Lady] assigns her no duties and yet when she gets the job, a podium is there if she cares to use it. I did.’ So did many others. In Remembering The First Ladies experts Diana Carlin, Anita McBride, and Nancy Smith offer a comprehensive and compelling look at the towering legacies of our First Ladies—many of them overlooked in their own times—and how the vital role has evolved along with our nation.”
Mark K. Updegrove, President & CEO, LBJ Foundation, and Presidential Historian, ABC News
"Over my decades in politics, including during my tenure in the White House, I have witnessed the office of the first lady transform. Presidential spouses have advocated on important issues, become cultural icons, and even run for the presidency themselves. And looking ahead to the next 50 years, I expect first ladies—and hopefully first gentlemen—will continue to play a decisive role on the national scene. That's why Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History Making Women is an indispensable primer for any informed citizen/students of politics. Diana B. Carlin, Anita B. McBride, and Nancy Kegan Smith have given us a guidebook to the history of this unique role—and a road map for its future."
Mack McLarty, Former Chief of Staff to President Bill Clinton
“Lady Bird Johnson famously said, ‘[The job of First Lady] assigns her no duties and yet when she gets the job, a podium is there if she cares to use it. I did.’ So did many others. In Remembering The First Ladies experts Diana Carlin, Anita McBride, and Nancy Smith offer a comprehensive and compelling look at the towering legacies of our First Ladies—many of them overlooked in their own times—and how the vital role has evolved along with our nation.”
Mark K. Updegrove, President & CEO, LBJ Foundation, and Presidential Historian, ABC News
Watch Cognella author Anita McBride on The Swift Hour hosted by Matthew Swift during the Concordia Summit. During their conversation, McBride and Swift explore how First Ladies have shaped history through influence, resilience, and quiet strength—often working behind the scenes.
Read the article "Anita McBride Discusses Pivotal Role Played by America's First Ladies" and watch McBride's remarks before a luncheon meeting of The Ripon Society. McBride discusses Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America's History-Making Women and how First Ladies have shaped the American presidency, and American history, throughout the years.
Listen to Anita McBride on the Consider the Constitution podcast. Titled "The Unwritten Role: First Ladies in American Democracy," the episode shares fascinating insights about how these women served as essential partners to presidents while carving out their own legacies.
Watch Anita McBride on Episode 247 of the Constitutional Chats Podcast. Titled "A Day in the Life of a First Lady," the episode discusses the unique responsibilities, challenges, and historical significance of this influential role.
Listen to Anita McBride on this episode of the Health Gig podcast, where she talks about Remember the First Ladies and the importance of recognizing the contributions of First Ladies throughout history.
Listen to Anita McBride on the E Pluribus Unum podcast, where she talks with Dr. Jennifer London about the role of the American First Lady, including challenges surrounding being a public figure, leading without official authority, and more.
Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History-Making Women by Diana B. Carlin, Anita B. McBride, and Nancy Kegan Smith has been named a 2024 Best Book of the Year by Smithsonian scholars! Read the article.
Listen to Diana B. Carlin's interview on SDPB Radio's In the Moment. During the episode, she discusses how women throughout history have shaped the first lady role and the how the role has also shaped these women.
Watch the C-SPAN interview with Anita McBride during which she discusses the First Ladies Initiative, the role and influence of political spouses, especially first ladies, and her coauthored books with Diana B. Carlin and Nancy Kegan Smith.
Read Anita McBride’s op-ed “I’ve Worked With First Ladies. Don’t Underestimate Jill Biden’s Influence on the President.” in U.S. News & World Report.
Watch Anita McBride’s appearance on Fox News discussing the influence of first ladies on their spouses’ presidential reputations and how first ladies are a significant asset on the campaign trail.
Read the Washington Post article “30 hours in Jillville,” in which Anita McBride is quoted regarding Jill Biden’s tour stops as she campaigns for her husband, Joe Biden, to be re-elected.
Read the Wall Street Journal article “Jill Biden’s Dilemma: Is Pressing Ahead Still the Loving Thing to Do?” in which Anita McBride is quoted.
Listen to the KPR Presents podcast episode “From Martha Washington to Dr. Jill Biden: First Ladies Get Their Due,” featuring Diana Carlin, coauthor with Anita McBride and Nancy Kegan Smith of U.S. First Ladies: Making History and Leaving Legacies and Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History-Making Women.
Watch Anita McBride’s interview with Senator George S. LeMieux at The LeMieux Center for Public Policy at Palm Beach Atlantic University. They discuss the book Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History-Making Women, the influence of first ladies on the U.S. presidency and global diplomacy, and Anita’s experiences in the White House as chief of staff for First Lady Laura Bush.
Watch the CBS News segment celebrating the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation’s annual First Ladies Luncheon, which marked Betty Ford’s 50th anniversary as a first lady and also features an interview with Anita McBride on the historic role of the president’s spouse.
Read the Washington Life article “Intrigue and Influence of the First Ladies,” featuring a conversation with Anita McBride about how the style and impact of the White House influenced her own light-filled Spring Valley house.
Read the Stroll Magazine article “Anita McBride draws on her White House experiences and scholarship to coauthor two books on America’s First Ladies.”
Watch Episode 7 of the Majority Rules YouTube show in which host Lauren Leader is joined by Anita McBride to discuss U.S. First Ladies and Remember the First Ladies.
Read the WPBF West Palm Beach news article “Former White House adviser discusses important role first ladies have played in U.S. history.”
Read the AARP article “How Much Do You Know About U.S. First Ladies?” featuring an interview with coauthor Anita McBride.
Listen to Anita McBride talk about U.S. First Ladies and Remember the First Ladies on The Julie Mason Show, a presentation by the SiriusXM POTUS channel.
Read the Great Day Houston article “Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History-Making Women.”
The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy included Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History-Making Women in the What We’re Reading section of their March 2024 newsletter. Read the newsletter HERE.
Read the CNN article“Jill Biden puts Donald Trump on notice as her campaign role comes into focus,” which includes quotes and insight from Anita McBride.
Read the CNN article“Jill Biden puts Donald Trump on notice as her campaign role comes into focus,” which includes quotes and insight from Anita McBride.
Read the Washingtonian article “Two New Books Look at First Ladies. How Do They Compare?” The article provides a side-by-side look at notable moments from both Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History-Making Women and American Women.
Watch this Fox News segment in which Anita McBride discusses Jill Biden’s influence on the president’s re-election bid and the role of first ladies in presidential administrations.
Read the Politico article “The Biden campaign’s secret weapon: FLOTUS,” which includes a quote and commentary from Anita McBride.
Read the Hollywood on the Potomac article "U.S. First Ladies."
Read the Alexandria Times news article "Remembering the First Ladies: Three pioneers publish first textbook."
Read the article "Anita McBride Discusses Pivotal Role Played by America's First Ladies" and watch McBride's remarks before a luncheon meeting of The Ripon Society. McBride discusses Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America's History-Making Women and how First Ladies have shaped the American presidency, and American history, throughout the years.
Listen to Anita McBride on the Consider the Constitution podcast. Titled "The Unwritten Role: First Ladies in American Democracy," the episode shares fascinating insights about how these women served as essential partners to presidents while carving out their own legacies.
Watch Anita McBride on Episode 247 of the Constitutional Chats Podcast. Titled "A Day in the Life of a First Lady," the episode discusses the unique responsibilities, challenges, and historical significance of this influential role.
Listen to Anita McBride on this episode of the Health Gig podcast, where she talks about Remember the First Ladies and the importance of recognizing the contributions of First Ladies throughout history.
Listen to Anita McBride on the E Pluribus Unum podcast, where she talks with Dr. Jennifer London about the role of the American First Lady, including challenges surrounding being a public figure, leading without official authority, and more.
Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History-Making Women by Diana B. Carlin, Anita B. McBride, and Nancy Kegan Smith has been named a 2024 Best Book of the Year by Smithsonian scholars! Read the article.
Listen to Diana B. Carlin's interview on SDPB Radio's In the Moment. During the episode, she discusses how women throughout history have shaped the first lady role and the how the role has also shaped these women.
Watch the C-SPAN interview with Anita McBride during which she discusses the First Ladies Initiative, the role and influence of political spouses, especially first ladies, and her coauthored books with Diana B. Carlin and Nancy Kegan Smith.
Read Anita McBride’s op-ed “I’ve Worked With First Ladies. Don’t Underestimate Jill Biden’s Influence on the President.” in U.S. News & World Report.
Watch Anita McBride’s appearance on Fox News discussing the influence of first ladies on their spouses’ presidential reputations and how first ladies are a significant asset on the campaign trail.
Read the Washington Post article “30 hours in Jillville,” in which Anita McBride is quoted regarding Jill Biden’s tour stops as she campaigns for her husband, Joe Biden, to be re-elected.
Read the Wall Street Journal article “Jill Biden’s Dilemma: Is Pressing Ahead Still the Loving Thing to Do?” in which Anita McBride is quoted.
Listen to the KPR Presents podcast episode “From Martha Washington to Dr. Jill Biden: First Ladies Get Their Due,” featuring Diana Carlin, coauthor with Anita McBride and Nancy Kegan Smith of U.S. First Ladies: Making History and Leaving Legacies and Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History-Making Women.
Watch Anita McBride’s interview with Senator George S. LeMieux at The LeMieux Center for Public Policy at Palm Beach Atlantic University. They discuss the book Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History-Making Women, the influence of first ladies on the U.S. presidency and global diplomacy, and Anita’s experiences in the White House as chief of staff for First Lady Laura Bush.
Watch the CBS News segment celebrating the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation’s annual First Ladies Luncheon, which marked Betty Ford’s 50th anniversary as a first lady and also features an interview with Anita McBride on the historic role of the president’s spouse.
Read the Washington Life article “Intrigue and Influence of the First Ladies,” featuring a conversation with Anita McBride about how the style and impact of the White House influenced her own light-filled Spring Valley house.
Read the Stroll Magazine article “Anita McBride draws on her White House experiences and scholarship to coauthor two books on America’s First Ladies.”
Watch Episode 7 of the Majority Rules YouTube show in which host Lauren Leader is joined by Anita McBride to discuss U.S. First Ladies and Remember the First Ladies.
Read the WPBF West Palm Beach news article “Former White House adviser discusses important role first ladies have played in U.S. history.”
Read the AARP article “How Much Do You Know About U.S. First Ladies?” featuring an interview with coauthor Anita McBride.
Listen to Anita McBride talk about U.S. First Ladies and Remember the First Ladies on The Julie Mason Show, a presentation by the SiriusXM POTUS channel.
Read the Great Day Houston article “Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History-Making Women.”
The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy included Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History-Making Women in the What We’re Reading section of their March 2024 newsletter. Read the newsletter HERE.
Read the CNN article“Jill Biden puts Donald Trump on notice as her campaign role comes into focus,” which includes quotes and insight from Anita McBride.
Read the CNN article“Jill Biden puts Donald Trump on notice as her campaign role comes into focus,” which includes quotes and insight from Anita McBride.
Read the Washingtonian article “Two New Books Look at First Ladies. How Do They Compare?” The article provides a side-by-side look at notable moments from both Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History-Making Women and American Women.
Watch this Fox News segment in which Anita McBride discusses Jill Biden’s influence on the president’s re-election bid and the role of first ladies in presidential administrations.
Read the Politico article “The Biden campaign’s secret weapon: FLOTUS,” which includes a quote and commentary from Anita McBride.
Read the Hollywood on the Potomac article "U.S. First Ladies."
Read the Alexandria Times news article "Remembering the First Ladies: Three pioneers publish first textbook."
