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Examining The Power Of First Ladies In American History : 1A They have the ear of the most powerful person in the country. They pillow talk with the president. They are... the first ladies.

As Americans celebrate with fireworks and talks of the Founding Fathers, it's the women behind these presidents that leave an often overlooked mark.

Abigail Adams wrote a letter to future president John Adams to "remember the ladies" while drafting the Declaration of Independence.

The country's first ladies play a significant and unique role – and it's always evolving. We talk about the role and some of America's most memorable first ladies.

Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.

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Examining The Power Of First Ladies In American History

Examining The Power Of First Ladies In American History

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U.S. First lady Jill Biden listens as Ashley Biden, the daughter of U.S. President Joe Biden gives remarks during a Pride celebration on the South Lawn of the White House. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images hide caption

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Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

U.S. First lady Jill Biden listens as Ashley Biden, the daughter of U.S. President Joe Biden gives remarks during a Pride celebration on the South Lawn of the White House.

Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

They have the ear of the most powerful person in the country. They pillow talk with the president. They are... the first ladies.

As Americans celebrate with fireworks and talks of the Founding Fathers, it's the women behind these presidents that leave an often overlooked mark.

Abigail Adams wrote a letter to future president John Adams to "remember the ladies" while drafting the Declaration of Independence. Eleanor Roosevelt helped define the role of FLOTUS as an outspoken voice for civil rights. And just this past weekend, Jill Biden further cemented herself as a key figure in President Joe Biden's 2024 campaign.

The country's first ladies play a significant and unique role – and it's always evolving. We talk about it.

Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.