Third Thursday Night Out with the First Ladies: The Mysterious Mrs. Nixon

IN PERSON: Don't miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to be part of a truly unique evening at the National First Ladies Library & Museum! This November, we're thrilled to welcome Heath Hardage Lee, the acclaimed author of the newly released book, The Mysterious Mrs. Nixon: The Life and Times of Washington's Most Private First Lady.

Heath will bringing along several members of First Lady Pat Nixon's East Wing staff for a one-night-only unforgettable wine and cheese event at the museum. These remarkable women, who worked closely with Mrs. Nixon, will share their personal experiences of working in the White House. will be traveling to our site to delve into the fascinating life of Pat Nixon, sharing insights and stories from her book. You’ll gain an insider's perspective on the life of one of America's most enigmatic First Ladies. Hear firsthand accounts of history in the making and connect with those who lived it.

Mark your calendars and join us for a night of captivating stories, historical insights, and an intimate look at the legacy of First Lady Pat Nixon. Be part of this extraordinary event – we can't wait to see you there!

More About Heath Lee:

Heath is an award-winning historian, biographer and curator who specializes in women’s history. Heath’s narrative nonfiction book entitled The League of Wives: The Untold Story of the Women Who Took on the U.S. Government to Bring Their Husbands Home from Vietnam was published by St. Martin’s Press in 2019. Heath’s museum exhibition entitled The League of Wives: Vietnam POW MIA Advocates & Allies about Vietnam POW MIA wives premiered at the Dole Institute of Politics in May of 2017 and travelled to venues all over the United States through 2023. The League of Wives is currently being developed as a television series. Heath also writes about women’s history and politics for publications such as Time, The Hill, The Atlantic and White House History Quarterly. She currently serves on the Board of FLARE the First Ladies Association for Research and Education. Heath’s new book The Mysterious Mrs. Nixon: Washington’s Most Private First Lady is the first commercial biography of First Lady Pat Nixon in almost 40 years.

More About Pat Nixon’s East Wing Staff:

Lucy Winchester: the 14th White House Social Secretary, Winchester served Pat Nixon from 1969 to 1974: the entire period of the Nixon presidency. The Social Secretary and her staff arranged and coordinated all social functions in the White House, whether or not the President or a member of the First Family actually participated in the event. This included the creation of guest lists, sending out and receiving invitations, scheduling entertainment and overseeing the general progress of the event. The Social Secretary worked in close coordination with numerous White House staff offices, including the domestic and security staffs, the President's and First Lady's appointments offices, military/social aides, military music groups and the Social Office. She also worked with ministers, entertainers, the State Department, and other government agencies.

Penny Adams: Pat Nixon's Radio-Television Coordinator: Adams served as the point person for all entertainment for state dinners, Evenings at the White House, and other events. Adams also advanced for Mrs. Nixon’s trip to three countries in Africa. She later served as Mrs. Nixon's Deputy Press Secretary until she left the White House in November 1973.

Deborah “Debby” M. Sloan 1969 - 1972

Patricia “Pat” K. Howard 1962 - 1974

Susan “Susie” L. Dolibois 1969 - 1969 -- 1972 - 1974

Debby, Susie and Pat all held the position of Assistant to the Social Secretary, Lucy Winchester, it was their responsibility to organize and execute all aspects of the arrangements for all social functions held in the White House as well as those which were held in California. These events included State Dinners, Luncheons, Private Dinners, Receptions, Teas, Worship Services, Holiday Parties, the POW dinner, a White House Wedding for Tricia Nixon and a Royal Visit by Prince Charles and Princess Anne.

NOTE: Doors open at 6:00 pm; program begins at 6:30 pm. Free parking is available – learn more at .

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