All lectures include a Q&A session and have a companion PowerPoint presentation.

All lectures can be presented remotely via zoom or another virtual platform.

Lectures on Presidential History

**New** Ghosts of the White House: Haunted Histories and Presidential Spirits

Step into the shadows of America’s most famous residence and uncover the eerie tales that have echoed through its historic halls. This chilling lecture explores the ghost stories, strange sightings, and supernatural legends tied to the White House, from Abraham Lincoln’s restless spirit to mysterious footsteps in the night. Blending historical fact with folklore, this presentation offers a fascinating look at the presidents, first families, and staff members who may still linger long after their time in office.

 President & First Lady Trivia

The lecture and quiz focuses on interesting and lesser-known facts about the Presidents & First Ladies. It may cover topics such as their personal lives, political careers, and significant events that took place during their presidencies.This lecture would be great for all ages!

“Affairs of State: Love and Romance in the Lives of U.S. Presidents”

Join us for a captivating journey through the intimate and romantic entanglements of America’s most powerful leaders. In “Affairs of State,” we delve into the private lives of U.S. presidents, uncovering the passions, and enduring love stories that have shaped the course of history. “Affairs of State” offers a compelling look at the human side of the presidency and the enduring power of love in the political arena.

President Who? Lesser-Known Presidents in American History 

Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Kennedy. These are familiar names to most Americans. But have you heard of Millard Fillmore, Chester A. Arthur, or Benjamin Harrison? These and other lesser-known Presidents will be discussed in these PowerPoint presentations. We will discuss who these men were, how they became President, and what they did once they had achieved that office. We will also touch on their wives, families, and life after the Presidency.

Presidential Birthplaces

Which state has seen the most future Presidents born? Who was the first President born an American citizen? (Hint: Its not George Washington!) Humble or lavish, in a large town or out in the wilderness, in this 1 1/2 hr presentation, we will virtually travel to Presidential birthplaces across the country.

Who is Buried in Grants Tomb? Presidential Gravesites

An old joke is, “Who is buried in Grant’s Tomb?” Do you know the answer? You will understand after this lecture. We will virtually tour the graves of the 39 Presidents who have died and talk about their markers, burial spots, and more.

Lectures on the First Ladies

Style Icons – (Mary Lincoln, Jacqueline Kennedy, Frances Cleveland, & Nancy Reagan) First Ladies have been admired for many reason. For some, their sense of style defined their image. Learn how some first ladies influenced fashion trends and defined the style of their time.

Lesser-Known First Ladies -(Jane Pierce, Abigail Fillmore, Sarah Polk, & Florence Harding) Like their husbands, these first ladies are less well known then women like Martha Washington or Eleanor Roosevelt. Learn about these “forgotten” first ladies and their families, and see why they should be remembered.

Accidental First Ladies– (Eliza Johnson, Edith Roosevelt, Lady Bird Johnson, & Betty Ford) When their husbands were suddenly elevated to the Presidency by tragedy or scandal, how did these first ladies cope? How did they make a role for themselves in uncertain times?

Illinois’ Leading Ladies: Exploring the United States First Ladies from the Prairie State

In this lecture, we will explore the remarkable lives and legacies of U.S. First Ladies hailing from Illinois. From their early beginnings in the Prairie State to their influential roles in the White House, we’ll examine how these women shaped American history, society, and politics. Discover their unique contributions, personal stories, and the lasting impact they left on the nation.

Frances Folsom Cleveland: A First Lady of Charisma and Controversy

Frances Folsom Cleveland, often known simply as “Frankie,” captured the imagination of the American public with her charm, intelligence, and grace. As the youngest First Lady in American history, she navigated the complexities of her role with poise and confidence, captivating the nation with her youthful energy and modern sensibilities.

Inaugural Gowns of the 1st Ladies

What a First Lady chooses to wear to her husbands inaugural Balls can say a lot about her. In this lecture we will look at the gowns chosen by some of our 19th and 20th century first ladies. We will also look at some dresses of early first ladies.

Lectures about First Families

Children in the White House: The lives of America’s “1st kids.”

What is it like to be the child of the United States President? In this lecture, we will find out. Some Presidential kids were already grown when their father was elected, and others were small. Some were happy & excited to move into the White House, and others were not. Starting with George Washington’s stepchildren, we will discuss their life before, during, and after their father’s term of office.

Presidential Pets

Presidents have always had pets. Today they are usually dogs and sometimes cats. There have been many other kinds of animals in the White House. We will look at the first families’ pets and learn which families kept the most exciting pets.

White House Brides

There have been 19 weddings held at the White House over the last 200 years. In this lecture we will look at their history, from the 1812 wedding of Dolley Madison’s sister Lucy to the 2022 wedding of Naomi Biden, grandaughter of Joe Biden. We will see where the ceremonies were held, how they were celebrated and learn a little about each couple.

Wild Child to Grande Dame: The Life of Alice Roosevelt Longworth

Prepare to be captivated by the extraordinary life and legacy of Alice Roosevelt Longworth in this compelling lecture. From her rebellious youth to her influential role as a political matriarch, we explore the remarkable journey of a woman who defied convention and left an indelible mark on American history.