"First Ladies: Influence and Image" on C-SPAN

C-SPAN is currently running a series which delves into the lives and legacies of our First Ladies, "First Ladies: Influence and Image", which explores the extraordinary women who have graced the White House.  I have been thoroughly enjoying this opportunity to learn more about some of these remarkable ladies, and have particularly appreciated being introduced to some whose names I am ashamed to say I barely recognized!  Each episode focuses on one or two of the First Ladies and features discussions with historians who share their knowledge and views.  The companion website for the series has a brief biographical sketch for each First Lady, as well as a collection of videos discussing various aspects of their lives.

This Monday night (May 27 at 9:00pm EST), the program will focus on Frances Cleveland and will feature historian Dr. Taylor Stoermer and author Annette Dunlap.  In preparation for the episode, C-SPAN has put together a little preview, tempting us with some of her fashions!  The First Ladies Collection at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History is 100 years old, as Lisa Kathleen Graddy, curator, explains in this short video.  Watch as she shows some of Mrs. Cleveland's sparkling fashions from the collection drawers:

In a post we did a few months back about this collection, and the wonderful opportunities to view pieces of the collection online, I noted how I particularly adored Mrs. Cleveland's gowns!  As a featured item on the companion site for the show, Ms. Graddy also shares a stunning bonnet.  Enjoy!