The 2024 Warren G. Harding Symposium will be held on July 19-20, 2024. The theme will be Taft, Wilson and Harding: First Ladies of Consequence. This exciting event will feature outstanding scholars and historians focusing on a remarkable group of American First Ladies, each of whom faced difficult challenges and were able to leave an indelible mark on a fascinating historical era and the United States presidency. Helen Herron “Nellie” Taft was one of her husband’s most astute and trusted advisors and was influential in many presidential decisions. She also gave the Taft administration a particular social brilliance. Ellen Wilson, the first wife of President Woodrow Wilson, played a major role in his career. She significantly changed the traditional role of the First Lady through her efforts to improve housing conditions for African Americans in Washington, D.C. Edith Galt Wilson was the president’s second wife. When her husband suffered a severe stroke, she functionally ran the Executive Branch of the government for the remainder of his presidency. Florence Harding was strong-willed and popular and had a major impact on her husband’s business and political careers. As First Lady, she opened the White House and grounds to the public and advocated for the rights of women and veterans.

The cost to attend the full conference is $150.00. À la carte Registration options are available as follows: Opening Reception ($40); Workshops ($75); Dinner and Keynote ($50). To register, please click here or call 740.725.6340.