Image is Everything: First Ladies and the Nuclear Family in Cold War America

Presented by Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Florida Atlantic University – Jupiter During the Cold War, American women faced immense pressure from society and government to embody the ideal “perfect” wife and mother. First Ladies experienced these expectations under an especially intense public spotlight, navigating personal choices, political expectations, and the demands of presidential life. In this fascinating presentation, presidential historian Nicole Anslover uses the experiences of several First Ladies to explore the changing role of American women during the Cold War. Highlights include Jackie Kennedy’s decision to allow media access to her children, Pat Nixon’s efforts to strike the right tone in public, and Betty Ford’s passionate support for the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). Join OLLI at FAU Jupiter for an engaging look at First Ladies, changing expectations of women, and the evolving American family during one of the most transformative periods of the 20th century. Explore upcoming lectures and programs at olli.fau.edu.