We seldom hear how first ladies used their brains along the sidelines of their husband’s office … so we miss lessons they could add to our leadership today. Look back over history and you'll agree these amazing women ... too often met more criticism than gratitude from the rest of us. Hmmmm... Here are 20 facts you may not know about American first ladies: 
1. Barbara Bush laughed at herself and with many world leaders – teaching us the value of humor in leadership. In one public event she compared Nancy Reagan’s dress size to her own leg size.
2. Bess Truman stuck fast to her community in
3. Nancy Reagan cared for a sick husband … and kept his legacy alive … during years of an Alzheimer’s onslaught.
4. Lou Henry Hoover showed such fearlessness in the face of danger in … that the
5. Hillary Clinton balanced law and family commitments as well as chaired a Task Force on National Health Care Reform to raise public awareness of health issues.
6. Rosalynn Carter served as the President’s personal emissary to Latin American counties and brought back amazing lessons from folks who differ.
7. Elizabeth Ford founded the
8. Patricia Nixon encouraged volunteer service in what she termed the “spirit of people helping people.” She also used her influence and love for the arts to add 600 paintings and antiques to enrich the White House Collection.
9. Lady Bird Johnson became an ambassador of goodwill by visiting 33 foreign countries. She took leadership in the Head Start project to help disadvantaged pre-school children.
10. Jackie Kennedy culture and taste to the White House and to the country, making American history central in the White House and adding the fine arts to politics with elegance and charm.
11. Mamie Eisenhower shared her husband’s travels and entertained an unprecedented array of guests much to everybody’s delight in her warmth and character.
12. Elizabeth Truman acted as her husband’s secretary for a time … but disliked the lack of privacy that came with the White House … and she reduced social life in politics to a minimum when her husband was in office.
13. Eleanor Roosevelt transformed the role of First Lady and broke the “quiet traditions” for women… by lecturing and holding press conferences. She even expressed her views on radio shows and in a daily syndicated newspaper column … “My Day.”
14. Grace Coolidge won people’s heart from all over the world. She championed the deaf community’s causes … brought an unusual zest for life to the office … and added a simplicity for art and style.
15. Edith Roosevelt stayed active alongside her husband in politics … but also remained close and committed to her family life away from the political lime-lights. People admired her sound judgment … and careful management of family affairs.
16. Florence Harding opened the White House to the public … and in spite of a severe kidney ailment … she often enjoyed poker parties with her husband where liquor was illegal but served liberally.
17. Martha Custis Washington entertained with unusual warmth and refined hospitality in very formal style but played less part in political ceremonies that she considered emptied and a waste of time.
18. Ellen Wilson brought to the White House … a compassionate viewpoint … as the descendant of slave owners, Ellen Wilson and worked hard to help improve housing in her community’s black slums. She would visit dark alleys and bring attention to poverty conditions.
19. Laura Bush brings a passion for reading and for starting children’s literacy development at an early age. She supports breast cancer and heart disease campaigns and educates women about the importance of healthy eating, exercise habits. She also helps groups to preserve community heritage treasures.
20. Lucy Hayes – fondly known as "Mother Lucy" from soldiers who valued her visits to war camps--to help out. She help to renew state reform schools, prisons, and asylums,,, using her knowledge of political circles, her intelligence and culture, and her cheerful spirit.
Some of the facts here are fun ... some show what a faithful life can offer a nation... and others make us question why women ... and maybe leaders in general ... still find more criticism than support that could improve our world.... What do you think...?
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