Erika Cornelius Smith will discuss her book, “Service above Self: Women Veterans in American Politics,” which tells the stories of women who served in or adjacent to the U.S. military and how they translated those experiences into elected office. The book is the first analysis of how women transitioned from national defense to public service--and […]

Since George Washington made it clear that Martha was his partner in the presidency by providing her with her own schedule of meetings and having her serve as hostess and surrogate, first ladies have each defined the role as it best suited their backgrounds, personalities, the times, and their husbands’ views of the role. Some […]

Anyone asked to list the top first ladies usually draws on their own experience studying or knowing about the women during their lifetimes. A few first ladies were far more powerful than history classes typically reveal. This program centers on three of those women: Sarah Polk, Florence Harding, and Edith Wilson and the power they […]

Join us for A Conversation on Race with panelists Maryemma Graham, KU Distinguished Professor of English, and Shawn Alexander, Chair of African and African American Studies. The conversation will be moderated by Dr. Barbara Ballard, senior associate director of the Dole Institute. Maryemma Graham, University Distinguished Professor of English in the Department of English and […]