Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson, was the wife of the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson. Among the few remaining examples of her handwriting is a precise ledger of the plantation’s main cash crop, tobacco, suggesting she worked with Jefferson more as a full partner in this aspect of life at Monticello.
Martha Washington, the first First Lady was born Martha Dandrige, on June 2, 1731. As first lady, she initiated a weekly reception, held on Friday evenings hosting members of Congress, visiting dignitaries, and men and women from the local community. She enjoyed riding horses, gardening, sewing, playing the spinet and dancing.
Elizabeth Hamilton was the wife of Alexander Hamilton, American Founding Father and the 1st U.S Secretary of the Treasury. She was present at such historic moments as when he began to write The Federalist and composed his defense of a national bank. She helped found New York's first private orphanage in 1806.
Abigail Adams was the first woman to serve as Second Lady of United States and the second woman to serve as First Lady. She was also the mother of the sixth President, John Quincy Adams and advocated greater political rights for women, especially regarding divorce and property ownership.
Considered one of the best contraltos of the 20th century, Marian Anderson broke barriers. She was the first African American artist to sign with RCA Victor Recording Company. Her first record featured spirituals “Deep River” and “My Way’s Cloudy.” In 1955 when she became the first African American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera.
