An expert on the constantly evolving position of first lady will speak Oct. 27 at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, shining light on the remarkable women who have broken barriers, influenced policy and advocated for important causes.
Anita McBride, co-author of “Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History-Making Women,” will join ALPLM Executive Director Christina Shutt in a conversation about the role of first lady and its historic importance.
McBride is an internationally recognized expert on first ladies and the operations of the White House. She directs the First Ladies Initiative at American University's Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies in the School of Public Affairs. Her White House experience spans two decades and three administrations, including as assistant to President George W. Bush and chief of staff to First Lady Laura Bush. She is the co-author of three books on the role of first lady and its influence on the American presidency, including a first-of-its-kind college textbook and an illustrated children's book.
This special evening with McBride will take place on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in the ALPLM Union Theater. The program is free to attend but advance registration is required. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the program begins at 6:30. Reserve your seat here.
McBride will sign copies of her book, which can be purchased in advance or at the event, after the program. Visitors can also enjoy a special pop-up exhibit featuring Mary Lincoln artifacts from the ALPLM collection.
The mission of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is to inspire civic engagement through the diverse lens of Illinois history and share with the world the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. We pursue this mission through a combination of rigorous scholarship and high-tech showmanship built on the bedrock of the ALPLM’s unparalleled collection of historical materials – roughly 13 million items from all eras of Illinois history.
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