NFLDC
NATIONAL FIRST LADIES DAY COMMISSION
The National First Ladies Day Commision (NFLDC) is a group of United States First Lady family members, relatives, ancestors, historians and individuals who share a common interest in the histories and legacies of America’s First Ladies. The NFLDC provides forums and programs that educate students, the general public, groups, organizations and institutions about the histories and legacies of America’s First Ladies and their contributions to the Nation. The NFLDC currently hosts annual First Ladies Day events in Marshfield, MO, the National First Ladies Library & Museum in Canton, OH and other sites across the Country on the last Saturday in April . The NFLDC is working to establish an official National annual holiday in recognition of America’s First Ladies on the last Saturday of April. Additionally, the NFLDC promotes First Ladies Day and the week leading up as a day and week of public, civic and community service and education to be carried out in the spirit and recognition of America’s First Ladies.
The National First Ladies Day Commission (NFLDC) was founded in 2021 as a national initiative to honor the women who have served as first ladies of the United States through a dedicated National Day of Service. The Commission was conceptualized by Rev. Nicholas W. Inman of Marshfield, Missouri, who envisioned a day to recognize and celebrate the enduring contributions of first ladies to our country’s history, culture, and civic life.
Soon after its founding, the Commission grew to include a distinguished and diverse group of individuals, including presidential descendants, historians, educators, and others passionate about preserving and honoring first lady history.
The charter members of the Commission include:
Mary Jean Eisenhower and Massee McKinley were elected as co-chairpersons of the Commission, and Jennie Highfield was named secretary.
The public announcement of National First Ladies Day took place in April 2022 at the annual First Ladies Tea during the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival, with Andrew Och delivering the keynote address. A special letter from Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter offering her support and acknowledgment was read aloud during the event and later donated to the National First Ladies Library and Historic Site in Canton, Ohio. The site for the National First Ladies Historic Site was the original home of President William McKinley and First Lady Ida Saxton McKinley.
On March 30, 2022, the National Day Calendar officially designated the last Saturday in April as National First Ladies Day, aligning it with the historical context of President George Washington’s inauguration on April 30, 1789, and commemorating the beginning of the first lady’s role with Martha Washington.
The Commission seeks to have this date formally established as a nationally recognized holiday, to reflect on the impact of the first ladies and to encourage a national day of community service in their honor.
In the spirit of growth and continued dedication to its mission, the Commission expanded its membership to include:
National First Ladies Day is intended to be more than a commemoration—it is a National Day of Service, inviting individuals and communities to volunteer in honor of all first ladies, or in recognition of a particular one whose legacy they wish to highlight. The Commission encourages schools, civic groups, museums, and community organizations to observe the day through events, service projects, and educational programming.
Since Martha Washington, every president has been accompanied by a woman serving in the capacity of first lady or official hostess - even when unmarried or widowed. From Harriet Lane, niece of bachelor President James Buchanan, to widowed presidents who called upon daughters or other family members to fulfill the ceremonial duties of the first lady, these women have shaped public life with intellect, dignity and grace.
Though unelected, first ladies often campaign, represent the nation in ceremonial and diplomatic capacities, and champion national causes. They serve as educators, advocates, activists, and cultural stewards, taking on initiatives that have lasting national impact.
Springtime has long held special significance in first lady history. One of the most beloved traditions began in 1912 when First Lady Helen Herron Taft participated in the first planting of cherry blossom trees in Washington, D.C. Since then, the National Cherry Blossom Festival has become an annual event celebrating friendship, renewal, and American heritage - often with the first lady serving as honorary chair.
Fittingly, the National Kickoff Ceremony for National First Ladies Day took place on April 30th at Marshfield High School during the 2022 Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival, further connecting first ladies to this symbolic season of renewal and remembrance.