Our Mission
The mission of FLARE is to create and sustain a network to promote and publicize research and education relevant to the contributions, lives, impacts, and lasting legacies of U.S. First Ladies.
Our Vision
FLARE will be the primary association to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and outreach among scholars, institutions, First Ladies’ staff, biographers, archivists, journalists, and public historians interested in research and education about the lasting legacy of U.S. First Ladies.
FLARE Focus more information
FLARE Focus on When The First Lady is an Educator, A Lesson Comes Dressed in Inaugural Clothing
Nichola D. Gutgold
One of the most popular exhibits at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History is the First Ladies Exhibit. With over 1,000 items in the collection, the Smithsonian documents the lives and legacies of the women who have served in this invaluable role.[i] It was an honor to attend the ceremony of the presentation of the inaugural clothing of First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden, which she wore in January 2021 to President Biden’s swearing-in and other celebratory events to mark the occasion..
Upcoming Events view all events
Wed
3
2024
April 3, 2024
8:30AM - 12:30PM
First Ladies Then and Now: Communicating Their Message
FLARE presents the Central States Communication Association Pre-Conference
Grand Amway Hotel, Grand Rapids, MI
The field of First Ladies Studies has grown dramatically since the first course was offered in 1982 at the University of Texas-Austin and Betty Ford and Rosalynn Carter hosted the first conference on first ladies in Grand Rapids in 1984. Communication scholars have been at the heart of the growth in scholarship, publications, conference programs, and interviews in various media. With the creation of the interdisciplinary association, founded by seven scholars--including four from communication--and new publications, including the first-ever college textbook, this is an area of study with tremendous potential for communication scholarship, especially for graduate students and early career faculty. To trace the history of this interdisciplinary field of inquiry, Central States is partnering with FLARE--First Ladies Association for Research and Education--to mark the 40th anniversary of the conference at the Gerald R. Ford Museum in Grand Rapids.