First Lady Fashion

Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum
Independence, MO

In partnership with the Independence chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Library will host guest speaker Elizabeth Way to discuss First Lady Fashion. Ms. Way is the Assistant Curator at the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology and has presented lectures about designers who have dressed former First Ladies. Prominent in Ms. Way's research is the inspirational story of Elizabeth Keckley, a slave who bought her freedom, became a successful seamstress after moving to Washington D.C. and caught the eye of Mary Todd Lincoln. Mrs. Lincoln soon hired Ms. Keckley to be her personal dresser and the sole designer/creator for Mrs. Lincoln's event wardrobe. The event will include a White Glove presentation of a special piece from Mrs. Truman's closet.