NOTE: Ticket sales will cut off at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 2.
STREAMING PROGRAM INFORMATION
- This program is part of our Smithsonian Associates Streaming series in collaboration with CNN Original Series.
- Program is free to Smithsonian Associates members; online registration is required.
Join us for an exclusive screening of an episode from the new CNN Original Series “First Ladies,” a docuseries from October Films focusing on the lives of six of the most iconic first ladies. Narrated by Robin Wright, the episodes offer a bold revision of each woman’s traditional portrayal, revealing how they were transformed by their years in the White House and how their achievements fundamentally shaped American and global history.
Blending in-depth interviews, rare archival footage and cinematic recreations, “First Ladies” uncovers the pivotal and long-hidden stories of female protagonists who were able to find agency and make change above and beyond the much-documented work of their husbands. The series premieres on October 4.
Smithsonian Associates members can get an exclusive first look at the episode featuring Nancy Reagan. Though popularly known as the doting wife of President Ronald Reagan, in reality she had much more than a supporting role in the first “Hollywood” presidency. From Ronald Reagan’s first campaign for the White House in 1980, to his Cold War ending triumph in 1987, Nancy Reagan was pulling strings and calling the shots behind the scenes.
A panel discussion follows the screening, with participants including Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw, the National Portrait Gallery’s senior historian and director of history, research and scholarship; Ron Reagan, son of Nancy Reagan; and Sheila Tate, press secretary, First Lady Nancy Reagan. CNN anchor Brianna Keilar moderates the discussion.
This event is presented in collaboration with CNN Original Series.
NOTE: Separate program link and passcode information will be emailed the afternoon of Friday, October 2. CNN will host the program on their own platform.
Patron Information
- Once registered, patrons should receive an automatic email confirmation from CustomerService@SmithsonianAssociates.org.
- View Common FAQs about our Streaming Programs on Zoom.
