In-Person Fun with FLOTUS: Fly High with Dolley Madison (Free Family Event)

Program Details:

Ever wondered what it would be like to chat with a parrot, like First Lady Dolley Madison did during her White House days? 🐦✨ Wonder no more! At this fantastic event hosted by the National First Ladies Library & Museum, you'll get up close and personal with real live parrots, just like Dolley's feathered friend. But that's not all! Dive into the colorful world of parrots with an exciting book reading that'll have your imagination soaring. Then, get ready to groove as we shake our tail feathers in a toe-tapping mini-dance party!

As if that weren't enough, our very own Dolley Madison interpreter will transport you back in time with tales of this First Lady’s extraordinary life. Dolley loved to throw parties, and she was instrumental in enlisting her enslaved staff to save national treasures, such as the Stewart portrait of George Washington, before the British burned the White House in August 1814. During the melee, Dolley safely tucked her military macaw, Polly, in their temporary residence, called the Octagon House.

Thanks to the folks at Bird Nerds Rescue, you'll have the chance to meet and snap some pics with these magnificent parrots after the program wraps up. So, mark your calendars and spread your wings, because this summer family event is one for the history books! Don't miss out on the excitement at Fun with FLOTUS – it's sure to be a chirping good time!

Event begins at 11:00AM in the First Ladies Park, located next to the historic Saxton-McKinley House. Free parking is available in the First Ladies National Historic Site parking next to the historic Saxton-McKinley House.

Although this is a free event, registration is strongly recommended.

More about Bird Nerds Rescue:

Located in East Canton, Bird Nerds Rescue is a refuge site whose mission it is to rescue an array of birds including parrots, cockatoos, and other exotic birds who have either been surrendered or rescued from abusive and/or negligent situations.

More about our Dolley Madison First Person Interpreter Rebecca Roper:

Rebecca Roper is a volunteer historical interpreter with 20 years of experience with the National Park Service at Presidents Park in Washington, D.C. She has eight years of volunteering in the Social and Visitors Offices of the Clinton White House. Currently, she is pursuing a doctorate in education to enhance her ability to provide enjoyable and informative experiential learning activities to lifelong learners.

Host or Publisher First Ladies National Historic Site | National First Ladies' Library