NFLL Educational Programs
The National First Ladies’ Library is dedicated to educating children and young adults about the history of our country, the contributions of First Ladies and the significance and contributions of women throughout history. We encourage educators to use our website, our resources and to bring students to the Saxton House and the Education and Research Center. As part of this endeavor, we provide a variety of programs throughout the year for teachers and students.
We have listed here a sampling of our existing programs. We are constantly adding offerings, so check back frequently to see what is new. Scheduled programs are also listed on our calendar.
Our school programs are designed specifically for different age groups and present a variety of topics.
To inquire about our programs or schedule a program please contact us at programs@firstladies.org or call 330-452-0876 ext. 301.
All of our Education Programs are free of charge for schools.
Bus parking is available.
PROGRAMS
Vinnie Ream: A Teenaged Artist's "Labor of Love"
Eighteen year old Vinnie Ream became famous when her sculpture of President Abraham Lincoln was unveiled in the United States Capitol building in January, 1871. The Nat’l First Ladies’ Library proudly presents this multi-talented artist who will share tales of her unique career, including the sittings Lincoln had with her months before his assassination.
Vinnie Ream was an extraordinary American woman who enjoyed the distinction of being the youngest and the first woman of her profession to receive a government commission. Among the many interesting people she encountered during her lifetime was a future First Lady from Canton, Ohio: Ida Saxton McKinley. Ida also appears in the presentation with Ms. Ream and relates experiences of her trip to Europe as a young woman of the Victorian era.
Ida McKinley's White House Pets
In honor of Ida Saxton McKinley’s birthday in June the NFLL offers this charming and popular program especially for mothers & daughters. Ida McKinley introduces the program with a “feathered friend”. Other First Ladies, including Jackie Kennedy, tell stories of the pets of the White House and the families who loved them. Mothers and daughters assist in the program which includes a luncheon.
“Christmas at the White House”
Grades: K-6
This program for K-6 grade students will take place in our beautiful Victorian Theatre where students will view a film of White House Christmases. Following the film, the younger students will be treated to a special program that will include the reading of a Christmas story. Junior high and high school students will also view a film in the Victorian Theatre followed by a tour of the special displays in the Education and Research Center. The jr. high and high school Christmas program is limited to 30 students per program.
Two Dear Abbies
Grades: Jr. High through High School
Abigail Adams and Abigail Fillmore lived in different time periods. Both are the subjects of our high school Unit of Study link to curriculum here available for use in the classroom by high school teachers. Use the unit and bring your students to meet the two Abbies as they appear together on the same stage. Two unassuming women, with the assistance of your students, will reveal details of their extraordinary lives. Both were loving wives and mothers who had an extraordinary influence on their husbands, their homes, and a grateful nation.
Women of Firsts: “ Dr. Mary Walker”
Grades: Middle and High School
Dr. Walker is the only woman in history to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor. Dr. Walker will relate the fascinating stories about her life and the men and women she knew from the days she served as a surgeon on the battlefields of the Civil War through her years as a Women’s Activist. You and your students will meet this bold woman that history forgot as she gives tribute to other courageous women from the past and present as the National First Ladies’ Library celebrates Women’s History Month.
Right To Read “The White House Pets”
Grades: K-6
This charming program is suitable for students in kindergarten through 5th grade. Anyone who loves animals will confirm that one’s pet is certainly a member of the family. First families are no exception to that rule. A First Lady will relate stories about many of the Presidential pets and the families who loved them. The program continues with a First Lady reading a book to your class with the help of puppets and possibly a willing student. The program concludes when the First Lady presents a book to your class as a gift from the National First Ladies’ Library for your school’ s library .
Right to Read “ Amelia and Eleanor”
Grade level: can be adapted for various grade levels
Two of America’s most admired women were real life friends. History will come alive when Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt appear together to weave the tales of their extraordinary and adventurous lives for you and your students. The two women dreamed big, defied convention, and had huge influence on women (and men!) in their own and future eras. The program has a few surprises in store for your class that includes reading a special story in- volving the two famous friends on a spontaneous night time ride in the sky and through the streets of Washington, D. C.!
"Hat Box Program”
Grades K through 6 (9-15 students)
Small groups will gather in our Main Exhibit Room with a First Lady who will relate stories about many presidential wives using props and your students in an interactive program. A story (grade appropriate) is also read at the conclusion of the presentation. The book is a complimentary gift of the National First Ladies’ Library to your school’s library.
For Educators Only!
Come and spend an enjoyable and educational day at the National First Ladies’ Library. We have planned an In-Service Day to coincide with the 2005-2006 Stark County School Districts’ Calendar. We invite area educators to take the opportunity to visit us in the Education and Research Center. We can also schedule inservice opportunities for individual schools.