Presidents and First Ladies

An intimate glimpse into the lives of the first families of the United States, Presidents and First Ladies is an exciting and insightful new series that highlights the personal histories of select presidents and first ladies as well as the historical events that shaped their terms in office. Documentary photography, illustrations, and maps combine with compelling text and excerpts from letters and other primary sources to reveal how key personal, political, and historical events affected each leader and their spouse, and consequently the climate of the entire nation.

When John Adams met Abigail Smith, he found her intelligent, but "not fond, not frank, not candid." Abigail was equally unimpressed. All of that changed, however, and they married on October 25, 1764. Through the long years of John's service as a delegate to the Continental Congress and later as a foreign diplomat, the couple was often apart and kept in touch by letter. For her part, Abigail struggled to run their farm and raise their four children alone. Yet, John and Abigail's relationship remained strong. John & Abigail Adams offers a behind-the-scenes look at this remarkable couple, from the turmoil of the American Revolution, through John's terms as vice president and president, to John's death on the fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1826.