As our nation grew, it was not just the presidents leading the way. In fact, 26 first ladies from Martha Washington to Mamie Eisenhower helped shaped America. Author Feather Foster discusses how these women were decidedly different from their modern-day counterparts during the presentation, “The First Ladies: From Martha Washington to Mamie Eisenhower,” at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 28 at Colonial Williamsburg's DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum.

Often neglected, the nation’s first presidential wives made their impact not so much in terms of political policy or broad social and civic service, but instead with unique, personal and often long-lasting accomplishments. Guests will discover:

• How Martha Washington walked the fine First Lady line between royal pretension and republican accessibility.

• Why Lou Hoover is an unsung hero.

• What transformed Edith Wilson from miling lady to imperious enforcer.

A book signing of “The First Ladies: An Intimate Portrait of the Women Who Shaped America” follows in the Museum Store.

Foster also is the author of “Ladies: A Conjecture of Personalities,” “Garfield’s Train” “T, An Auto-Biography” and “On the Road with the Old Gals.”

A Colonial Williamsburg admissions ticket, museum pass or Good Neighbor Card provides access to this lecture. For more information, call 1-800-HISTORY.