A 2013 - 2014 original C-SPAN feature series telling the stories of America's First Ladies - from Martha Washington to Michelle Obama -
through conversations with top experts, video tours of historic sites, and questions from C-SPAN's audience.

America's First Ladies — from Martha Washington to Michelle Obama
Abigail Adams
First Lady: 1797 - 1801
Click the list to watch videos
  • Abigail Adams Program
  • Book discussion on "First Family: Abigail & John Adams"
  • Reading of John and Abigail Adams' Letters
  • Book discussion: Abigail & John
  • First letter from President Adams in the White House
  • David McCullough on the Adamses letters
  • Abigail Adams program: opening clip
  • Allida Black on political role of First Ladies
  • Book discussion on Abigail Adams biography
  • Views on slavery and political ramifications
  • John relying on Abigail's opinions
  • John and Abigail's views on slavery
  • Rosalyn Terborg-Penn on women's roles
  • "Miss Adorable" letter
  • Life at Peacefield
  • Retirement to Peacefield & Abigail's Death
  • Abigail's Letters: Servant James' Education
  • Remember the Ladies Letter
  • John Quincy Adams' Birthplace and the Revolution
  • Sen. Robert Bennett on Abigail Adams
  • Influence on her Husband
  • Influence on her Family
  • Bedroom at the Adams Mansion
  • Portrait in the Adams Mansion
  • David McCullough describes Abigail Adams
  • A Brief introduction to Abigail Adams

Biography

Abigail Adams

John Adams
Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of husbands. Remember all men would be tyrants if they could. If particular care and attention is not paid to the Ladies, we are determined to foment a Rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice, or representation.

Born - November 11, 1744 in Weymouth, Massachusetts

Parents - Reverend William Smith & Elizabeth Quincy Smith

Married - October 25, 1764 to John Adams

Children - Abigail Amelia (1765 – 1813),
John Qunicy (1767 – 1848),
Susanna (1768 – 1770),
Charles (1770 -1800),
Thomas Boylston (1772 – 1832)

Firsts - 1st First Lady to live in the White House. 1st woman to be both wife of a president and mother of a president (John Quincy Adams 6th President).

Post White House residence - Peacefield, Quincy, Massachusetts

Died - October 28, 1818 in Peacefield, Quincy, Massachusetts

Click here to see full bio of Abigail Adams

 
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