We will look at 12 first ladies, their lives and the impact that they have/had on their husband's presidency and history. Each first lady will be seen in the context of the time they lived. First ladies discussed will include Abigail Adams, Mary Todd Lincoln, Edith Wilson, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jacqueline Kennedy, Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush, Hilary Clinton, and Michelle Obama. The class will be given the opportunity to choose two additional first ladies who will be discussed during our last class. George Gruner is a local historian with over 40 years of teaching experience. He has worked as a docent at the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum and in guest services at Monticello. George has taught numerous history courses for LLI. He is currently teaching chess at the Anne's House School in Staunton and for Staunton's Parks and Recreation, as well as giving private chess lessons. George also served as a State Representative in the Vermont State General Assembly.