KEUKA PARK — A Sept. 17 Constitution Day presentation at Keuka College examining the role of America's first ladies will be recorded by C-SPAN for a later national broadcast.
The free public program begins at 6:30 p.m. in Norton Chapel and will feature Keuka College Professor of History Christopher Leahy and independent scholar Sharon Leahy, co-authors of an upcoming biography of first lady Julia Gardiner Tyler. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation.
The event will focus on what the U.S. Constitution does — and does not — say about the responsibilities of a first lady. The Leahys plan to use examples from their book, “Presidentess: The Life of First Lady Julia Gardiner Tyler,” to explore how those unofficial duties developed.
Julia Gardiner Tyler was the wife of John Tyler, the nation's 10th president. Christopher Leahy said she contributed to the evolution of the first lady's role, a theme the couple will discuss as they consider how people in the position have shaped expectations without a constitutional job description.
The biography is scheduled for publication Sept. 29. The presentation will also connect with Christopher Leahy's fall history course on the history and experiences of America's first ladies.
Christopher Leahy previously wrote the 2020 biography “President Without a Party: The Life of John Tyler.” He also edits the Journal of First Ladies Studies, a scholarly publication focused on the influence and achievements of U.S. first ladies.
Sharon Leahy specializes in 19th-century American history, print culture and American first ladies. Her published work includes an examination of Mamie Eisenhower's dealings with prominent industrialists, and both Leahys are lifetime members of the First Ladies Association for Research and Education.
Constitution Day is observed each Sept. 17 to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. Keuka College said the program is intended to connect that founding document with the changing public role of first ladies.
Members of the public may attend without charge. C-SPAN's recording crew will tape the presentation for later broadcast, though the college did not announce an air date.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.