CANTON − Former first lady and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton will serve as the honorary chairwoman of a new national advisory board launched by the National First Ladies Library & Museum.
The First Ladies Library made the announcement on Nov. 13, calling it a “major milestone in the organization’s growing national presence.”
The announcement was made during a special kickoff event at Merrywood, one of Jacqueline Kennedy’s childhood homes near Washington, D.C., “bringing together former White House staff, historians, educators and advocates committed to preserving and promoting the legacies of America’s first ladies,” a news release said.
David Lee, president and CEO of the National First Ladies Library & Museum, said the timing is right to raise the entity’s profile.
“This new advisory board reflects our renewed commitment to connect Washington leadership with our educational mission in Canton, and to inspire new audiences across the country through the stories of the first ladies,” Lee said in a prepared statement.
Hillary Clinton visited Canton in 1999
Clinton, wife of former President Bill Clinton, visited Canton in 1999 and reflected on the library and museum’s important role.
“As I looked at Ida (McKinley’s) inkwell, I thought about how the role of women and first ladies has grown and evolved over this past century, and how much we still needed to learn about their lives, their achievements, and their aspirations,” she said at the time.
In her new role representing the Canton museum, Clinton, who served as secretary of state in the administration of President Barack Obama, will help further its mission “to ensure the stories of America’s first ladies remain central to our nation’s historical narrative,” the news release said.
Who else is on the First Ladies National Advisory Board?
The First Ladies Library & Museum’s National Advisory Board includes former first ladies’ chiefs of staff, national leaders, scholars, educators and advocates.
They are: Anita McBride, Penny Adams, Kathryn Cade, Jane Campbell, Susie Dolibois, Monte Curham, Sarah Fosdick, Melissa Johnson, Natalie Jones, Michael LaRosa, Capricia Marshall, Andrea Mitchell, Lindsay Reynolds, Deborah Sloan and Susan Swain.
“This national board, along with the leadership of Secretary Clinton as honorary chair, helps ensure these stories are elevated and shared with audiences nationwide,” Lee said.
Reach Ed at ebalint@gannett.com. Follow on Instagram at ed_balint and TikTok @edwardbalint.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Hillary Clinton named honorary chairwoman of First Ladies Library national advisory board
Reporting by Ed Balint, Canton Repository / The Repository
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
