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FLOTUS: New C-SPAN Series Spotlights Influence And Image Of Women In The White House

Wikimedia Commons / Library of Congress

Presidents’ Day honors the men who have lead the United States, though it’s clear not as much is known about the women who served with them.

The first of a thirty-five part, two-season C-SPAN series, “First Ladies: Influence and Image,” premieres tonight.  The goal, according to Executive Producer Mark Farkas, is to “reveal their personal challenges, accomplishments, and failures…and to provide a window into our nation’s history and the trajectory of women in our society.”

“These women are influencing their husbands but they’re also head of the family,” Farkas told host Don Marsh.

The 90-minute programs, in partnership with the White House Historical Association, will air Monday’s beginning at 8pm CST.

Missouri’s Contributions

Two first ladies called Missouri home.

Julia Dent Grant of St. Louis spent eight years in the White House and according to Farkas, wanted her husband to run for a third term.  “She basically left the White House kicking, screaming and crying,” Farkas said.

On the other hand, Bess Truman of Independence, according to Farkas, was relieved to return to Missouri after serving four years in the White House.

With assistance from Kelsey Proud

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Alex is the executive producer of "St. Louis on the Air" at St. Louis Public Radio.
Mary Edwards is a producer for St. Louis Public Radio's broadcast program, "St. Louis Symphony."
Don Marsh served as host of St. Louis Public Radio’s “St. Louis on the Air" from 2005 to 2019, bringing discussions of significant topics to listeners' ears at noon Monday through Friday. Don has been an active journalist for 58 years in print, radio and television. He has won 12 Regional Emmy Awards for writing, reporting, and producing. He is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, was inducted into the St. Louis Media Hall of Fame in 2013, and named “Media Person of the Year” by the St. Louis Press Club in 2015. He has published three books: his most recent, “Coming of Age, Liver Spots and All: A Humorous Look at the Wonders of Getting Old,” “Flash Frames: Journey of a Journeyman Journalist” and “How to be Rude (Politely).” He holds an honorary Doctor of Arts and Letters degree from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.