On November 10, the Dole Institute of Politics will once again host “The Counselors,” an engaging series featuring two advocates arguing either side of an important national issue. In a cross between a courtroom trial and a debate, the two counselors will present their opposing arguments and call two expert witnesses each to help build […]

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 […]