Historic time period: 1945–early 1970's
First Lady for the Environment
Miss Lady Bird's Wildflowers is an illustrated biography of Claudia "Lady Bird" Johnson, from her childhood in Texas through her time as first lady to President Lyndon Baines Johnson and her development of the National Wildflower Center. Learn about this active first lady and her efforts to protect and enhance America's landscape by reading together. Then, try one or more of the activities to learn more about beautification and the environment.
The National Museum of American History has a broad collection of artifacts that tell the stories of the women who have served as America's first ladies. The exhibition First Ladies at the Smithsonian includes many items from the collection, and you can visit the exhibition in Washington, DC or online .
Also consider visiting the Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Library and the Lady Bird Johnson National Wildflower Center online for more pictures and information on Lady Bird Johnson. And, if you're curious about other first ladies and their spouses, the White House official Web site has background information and media related to each of the presidents and first ladies from the 1700s through today.
Read This Book
If you're curious about Lady Bird Johnson and other First Ladies, take a look at these books. Click on the book titles below for more information, or visit our complete bibliography.
More Recommended Books
- First Ladies: Political Role and Public Image by Edith P. Mayo and Lisa Kathleen Graddy
- First Ladies from Martha Washington to Laura Bush by Betty Boyd Caroli
- The White House, An Illustrated History by Catherine O'Neill Grace
Featured Book
Miss Lady Bird's Wildflowers
by Kathi Appelt
Miss Lady Bird's Wildflowers. Used by permission of HarperCollins Publishers.
Recommended Book
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Reading Miss Lady Bird's Wildflowers
Meet Lady Bird Johnson and discover her impact on the environment through reading and talking together.
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Activities
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What was on Lady Bird's plate?
Learn from Objects
Take a close look at Lady Bird's White House china, then think about the plates in your home.
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Beauty All Around You
Take A Trip
Find examples of beautification in your community or by visiting a botanical garden. You'll probably find that Lady Bird's dream is alive somewhere near you.
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Plant a Seed
Play and Create
Bring beauty to your home by planting and caring for a seed.
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Recordings from the Redwoods
Use Technology
Investigate the story of Redwood National Forest and how Lady Bird helped to protect part of nature. Then, create a photo slideshow to tell others about a place that is important to you.
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