First Ladies Forum: Dolley Madison

First Ladies Forum: Dolley Madison

Enjoy the homespun hospitality of Dolley Madison during this historic opportunity to converse with one of the most esteemed First Ladies in U.S. History!

"The Presidentess" is wife to the 4th American President, James Madison. She shall regale you with tales including her escape from the Executive Mansion during the War of 1812 when she saved the famous portrait of George Washington.

Dolley attracts the most popular crowds for her weekly functions and is always dedicated to advancing her husband's political prowess. If you're fortunate, you may be invited to one of her famous "squeezes", the first bi-partisan social gatherings where legislators could mix business with pleasure.

Dolley Madison is portrayed by Judith Kalaora. She is the Founder of History at Play™, which chronicles the lives of influential and often forgotten women. Kalaora is a professional educator, award-winning playwright, and living historian. She graduated from Syracuse University and attended the Globe Education Program at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London.

This program is the first installment of the First Ladies Forum, a four-part series, each featuring a different First Lady re-enacted by a renowned portrayal artist. These First Ladies include Dolley Madison (January 26), Louisa Catherine Adams (February 23), Mary Todd Lincoln (March 23), and Jacqueline Kennedy (April 27).

Online registration for this program can be completed below. You may also register by calling 309.590.6168 or by visiting the Adult Services Desk at the Library and registering in person. As soon as registration is complete, you will receive an email with a link to access the online discussion.