History Happy Hour: Eleanor Roosevelt -Traveler, Adventurer, and the First Lady of World War II

In August 1943, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt set out in secret for the Pacific on an arduous journey that was part goodwill tour, part fact-finding foray, and part informal diplomatic mission. She returned five weeks and 25,000 miles later, having trekked to Hawaii, New Zealand, and Australia, through the South Pacific and into territory still under enemy air attack. This precedent-breaking trip is chronicled in full for the first time in "The First Lady of World War II: Eleanor Roosevelt’s Daring Journey to the Frontlines and Back" by Shannon McKenna Schmidt. Join Shannon and moderator Dr. Ashley Robertson Preston, Assistant Professor of History at Howard University and Director of Undergraduate Studies, as we journey with Eleanor Roosevelt to the Pacific. See Roosevelt in a dramatic new light, as an adventurer and traveler, find out how travel was a key factor in her success as first lady, and learn about the importance of her leadership during World War II. Come join History Happy Hour and hear the conversation on Thursday, January 18th, at 6:00 pm ET!

History Happy Hour is a biweekly virtual program hosted by the White House Historical Association. Join us as experts weigh in on a variety of historical topics, share their insights, answer audience questions, and enjoy presidential-inspired libations.

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