04/08/2024
Announcing FLARE’s First National Conference: First Lady Betty Ford: 50th Anniversary Celebration
I am excited to announce and invite you to FLARE’s First National Conference, First Lady Betty Ford: 50th Anniversary Celebration on April 26 at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Our conference is being held in partnership with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum and American University’s School of Public Affairs.
The half-day conference begins at 2:15 pm DST Eastern. It features two panels: a panel on Mrs. Ford’s leadership as First Lady; and a panel on the historic 1984 conference, the first-ever on First Ladies, convened by Mrs. Ford. Colleen Shogan, the Archivist of the United States and FLARE member, will welcome guests in a special video presentation. Opening comments will be made by Gleaves Whitney, the Executive Director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation and me as president of FLARE. Other speakers include FLARE members Susan Ford Bales, Brooke Clement, Diana Carlin, Stacy Cordery, Myra Gutin, Lisa McCubbin Hill, Alison Jacknowitz, Anita McBride, and special guest Sheila Rabb Weidenfeld.
- The program is free : Register for the First Ladies Conference here. Registration is required, as seating is limited.
- As a FLARE member you are also invited to the Betty Ford Luncheon which will have a special program introduced by Susan Ford Bales at the J.W. Marriott. There is a discount for luncheon tickets offered to FLARE members. If you are interested in luncheon tickets please contact Nancy Smith at nksnancy@aol.com for the discount code. Tickets for the lunch are here.
- The conference will also be live streamed at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GloAceCpQ8q4g5sPaluOCA
The conference is an important milestone for FLARE as we approach our three-year anniversary, and continue to provide groundbreaking offerings that support our mission and vision to promote research and education on the important legacies of U.S. First Ladies.
I hope you can join us for this significant event.
Cordially,
Nancy
Nancy Kegan Smith
FLARE President