The Former First Lady Libraries wants to remember and honor the lives of former First Ladies of the United States and throughout the world. Through its name and our diligence to enhance literacy and educational opportunities, our organization hopes to remember, honor, and educate the world about the work this elite group of women has done and continues to do.
Although not elected, First Ladies tirelessly work alongside their husbands as public servants to serve the citizens of their respective countries. As proponents for various causes, First Ladies champion projects of their own, helping to improve the lives of people not only in their own country but throughout the world. Additionally, during difficult times First Ladies help to bring comfort and support to all. Through their roles, First Ladies often become icons, yet they usually do not receive the appreciation and recognition they deserve, especially once they return to private life. Wherever they are, First Ladies are pillars for global civility and help to spread peace, goodwill, and principles of humanity through their actions and deeds.
Each former First Lady defines her own path and selects a platform to champion. Regardless of which efforts or causes the various former First Ladies have supported, they all have contributed significantly to the wellbeing of our global society. Learn more about the former First Ladies of the United States and those in other countries by clicking on the links below.
To learn more about the roles of First Ladies, please consult the following:
Kate Andersen Brower – First Women: The Grace and Power of America’s Modern First Ladies (New York: Harper Collins, 2016)
Betty Boyd Caroli – First Ladies: From Martha Washington to Michelle Obama (New York: Oxford University Press, 2010)
Natalie Gonnella-Platts and Katherine Fritz – “A Role Without A Rulebook: The Influence and Leadership of Global First Ladies”
National First Ladies’ Library – “The Role of the First Lady and Origin of the Title “First Lady”
Dorthy Schneider and Carl J. Schneider – First Ladies: A Biographical Dictionary (New York: Facts on File, 2010)