New C-SPAN series puts limelight on first ladies

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Credit C-SPAN

Mark Farkas

The holiday might be called Presidents’ Day, but as historians and contemporary White House watchers well know, First Ladies often play a major role in any administration aside from their ceremonial duties. Some, like Eleanor Roosevelt and Hillary Clinton, were outsize political forces in their own rights, while the influence of others, like Edith Wilson, is only revealed years later.

In partnership with the White House Historical Association, C-SPANhas launched a new yearlong series examining each of the nation’s First Ladies, from Martha Washington through Michelle Obama, called "First Ladies: Influence and Image."

The 35-part series is produced by Mark Farkas, executive producer of C-Span’s White House Week.