Firsts

with the late Cokie Roberts

Journalist Cokie Roberts wished some of the presidents' wives had been painted when they were young and vivacious, before they had grey hair. Perhaps then we might think of them as the trailblazing, politically engaged women they actually were. She described four portraits of four First Ladies who have influenced the United States far beyond their preferences in tableware and drapes.

We are saddened by the passing of friend to the museum and legendary journalist, Cokie Roberts. We were fortunate to be able to speak with her for this podcast and hear her brilliant insight. We will miss her greatly.

Smiling woman in a blue jacket with a blue necklace

Image: Cokie Roberts (@Cokie Roberts...twitter.com)

Read more about the portraits:
  • Martha Dandridge Custis Washington by Rembrandt Peale / c. 1853, Oil on canvas / National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; gift of an anonymous donor / NPG.75.3
  • Dolley Dandridge Payne Todd Madison by William S. Elwell / 1848, Oil on canvas / National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution / NPG.74.6
  • Anna Eleanor Roosevelt by Bernard T. Frydrysiak / 1946, Oil on canvas / Collection of Ford and Marni Roosevelt / PC992501
  • Nancy Davis Reagan by Aaron Shikler / 1984-1985, Oil on paper / National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; gift of Time magazine / NPG.88.TC160
More by Cokie Roberts:

Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation by Cokie Roberts / Harper Perennial Feb 15, 2005.
Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation by Cokie Roberts / Harper Perennial, March 24, 2009.