Exciting news! The Revised Edition of Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History-Making Women has been released, and the timing is perfect.
As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, this updated edition reflects the most current insights into the evolving role of First Ladies, including new research and photos and coverage of Melania Trump’s return for a second term. The book offers an expanded look at how First Ladies have grown in influence but whose contributions are often still overlooked.
Also, as Co-Chair of @inpursuitusa , the civic education project marking our nation’s semiquincentennial, I have been reflecting on the leadership lessons from the American presidency that have shaped our history and will guide us into the next 250 years. First Ladies are central to that story with the causes they have championed and how they have used their platforms to address important issues and help bring people together during pivotal moments in our nation’s history.
This edition captures that ongoing evolution with updated analysis and new insights of how these remarkable women have left their mark on America.
Order information can be found in the link in my bio.
#RememberTheFirstLadies #RevisedEdition #America250 #InPursuit #FirstLadies
I had a front row seat to history…
I’m Anita Bevacqua McBride, and this is a glimpse into the work that has shaped my life and continues to inspire me today.
From my years in the White House to traveling the country and the world alongside Mrs. Laura Bush, I had the rare opportunity to witness firsthand the influence of America’s First Ladies. Those experiences sparked a lasting commitment to ensuring their stories are not only remembered, but fully understood.
My passion and experiences led me to co-author several books on first ladies including the first-ever textbook and the popular Remember the First Ladies as well as an illustrated children’s book.
My professional life is dedicated to ensuring that these stories are told, and I hope you follow along as I continue this work, championing the people and stories from our history that appeal to our aspirations for ourselves and our country.
#FirstLadies #WomensHistory #AmericanHistory #Leadership
I was proud to co-host “250 Years of First Ladies Making History”– a conference hosted by FLARE and the First Ladies Initiative at American University’s School of Public Affairs. It was a day of robust panel discussions with leading voices in First Ladies studies – scholars, historians, authors, archivists, journalists, and digital creators each contributing to educating the public on the lasting impact of America’s presidential spouses. From the founding era to modern day, first ladies shaped this nation in ways that history is beginning to appreciate more fully.
I was pleased to moderate the conversation with Colleen Shogan, former Archivist of the United States and CEO of @inpursuitusa , the exciting civic education project from More Perfect I am proud to Co-Chair. Fifteen FLARE members are essay contributors to this important project that examines lessons in leadership from our nations presidents and First Ladies throughout our 250 year history.
This jubilee period in our country’s life is a cause for reflection and engagement. In Pursuit exists to spark that interest in our history and answer that call to e participants in democracy.
Thank you to @theofficialflare and @americanuniversity for organizing and hosting an extraordinary and timely gathering. And thank you to all of our sponsors and partners for their support and to @cspanhistory for covering the conference so we can share it with an even bigger audience.
#RememberTheFirstLadies #InPursuit #America250 #FirstLadiesInitiative FLARE
Great morning on May 14th joining the Chief Executives Organization for an intimate fireside chat at the historic Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C. moderated by my friend Elizabeth Dial Pinkerton. We talked about the remarkable women who shaped the American presidency and why their stories still resonate today and add to a fuller understanding of our history - always a great topic of conversation but especially relevant on the eve of our nation’s 250th birthday.
Thank you to the Chief Executives Organization for inviting me to participate in their “Inside Washington” program - a great tee up to their visit to the National Museum of American History.
#RememberTheFirstLadies #FirstLadies #InPursuit #AmericanHistory #America250
Congratulazioni, Anita Bevacqua McBride! 🎓
Yesterday, May 10th, NIAF Vice Chair National Anita McBride delivered an inspiring commencement address at her alma mater, the University of Connecticut, and received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters — a well-deserved recognition for a lifetime of extraordinary public and philanthropic service.
A UConn Class of '81 graduate, Anita spent over 20 years serving in senior roles the White House across three presidential administrations. She is the author of three books on America's First Ladies: "Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America's History Making Women", the first-ever college textbook on the subject, "U.S. First Ladies: Making History and Leaving Legacies," and "First Ladies Make History," a children's book co-authored with her daughter, Giovanna, published by the White House Historical Association.
NIAF is proud to showcase Anita as a shining example of Italian American excellence.
What an honor to return to my alma mater and deliver the Commencement address to the 2026 graduating class of the @uconn College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. @uconnclas
I am profoundly grateful to President Radenka Maric @uconnpres , CLAS Dean Ofer Harel, and the UConn Board of Trustees for bestowing upon me an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.
What a wonderful experience it was to share this moment with these graduates (many of them first generation college graduates as I also was) and their proud families and friends.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026–your story is just beginning.
#UConn #Commencement2026 #ClassOf2026 #UConnHuskies #UConnAlumni
So fun to be back at @uconnhuskies ! Thanks for the warm welcome, gifts and tour including seeing the basketball championship trophies. And cool to see my and @gigimcbride ‘s @whitehousehistory children’s book on the alumni authors display in the bookstore!
Honoring the one year anniversary of Holy Father Pope Leo and welcoming the new Papal Nuncio - at the Vatican Embassy. Nice to see Suzanne and Jim Nicholson, George W Bush’s Ambassador to the Holy See - and loved seeing the photos of the 2008 state visit of His Holiness Pope Benedict - one of my most favorite White House memories is working on that blessed visit
What a special evening on May 6th moderating @meridianintl ’s salon conversation with author and journalist @susanpagedc , discussing her new book, The Queen and Her Presidents: The Hidden Hand That Shaped History.
The date of May 6 is meaningful in the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and her relationship to the United States. It was on this day in 2007 that she arrived in the United States for her final state visit to America, hosted by President and Mrs. George W. Bush at the White House - a memorable personal experience and honor to be part of planning that royal visit, and also being present for her 1991 state visit with President and Mrs. George HW Bush.
The Queen and Her Presidents explores the influence Queen Elizabeth wielded across decades of American presidencies. It is a fascinating lens through which to understand the impactful power of personal diplomacy at the highest levels. It remains one of my favorite memories to meet Queen Elizabeth in 2007 and I was happy to be interviewed by Susan for this book.
Thank you to one of Washington’s most gracious hostesses, Grace Bender, and the entire Meridian International Center team for inviting me to be part of this lovely evening and moderate the conversation with Susan.
#QueenElizabeth #WhiteHouseHistory #Diplomacy #Leadership #SusanPage
A terrific morning with members of the Catholic Business Network of Montgomery County joining them for their May breakfast at Columbia Country Club in Chevy Chase. It was a great conversation about history and how First Ladies helped shape American politics, policy, and global diplomacy in ways that continue to resonate today. A terrific time to reflect on these stories as we head into our nation’s semiquincentennial, @america250
Grateful to @patrickrafferty33 , @susanmapgood , and the CBN-MC community for the warm welcome and for the thoughtful questions. These are exactly the audiences I love being with.
#RememberTheFirstLadies #FirstLadies #InPursuit #AmericanHistory #CatholicBusinessNetwork
@fordstheatre has announced a special committee marking the 25th anniversary of September 11, with a production of the award winning play Come From Away.
@tmcbridedc and I are honored to Chair this committee to support this production that beautifully illustrates the spirit of resilience, service, and community that emerged in the wake of the terrorist attacks on our country.
We are also grateful to President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush who will serve as Honorary Chairs, lending their leadership to this important moment of remembrance and unity.
Come From Away reminds us that even in our darkest hours, the human spirit responds with grace and compassion. We are proud to help Ford’s Theatre bring that story to the stage.
Proud to announce that I will be returning to my alma mater as a Commencement Speaker for the University of Connecticut College of Liberal Arts and Sciences on May 10!
I’m also honored to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, and grateful to President Radenka Maric and the UConn Board of Trustees for this recognition. I was unable to attend my own graduation in 1981 and look forward to addressing the 2026 graduates and join in this special day for them and their families.
Go Huskies!
