Introduction

Twenty-five head-and-shoulders portraits of women with a drawing of the White House at the center — Ladies of the White House. c1898. Halftone photomechanical print. Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Division.

This guide offers a selection of portraits of U.S. First Spouses held in the Prints & Photographs Division collections. List of presidential spouses in alphabetical and chronological order are also included. After each First Spouse's image(s), a link will help you find more images of that person at the Library of Congress.

Companion reference aids are available for Presidents, Vice Presidents, and "Also Rans."

A Note on Image Rights

We are unaware of any restrictions on the use of the images published in this guide. However, if you plan to publish or otherwise distribute any of the images, please be aware that determination regarding the appropriate use of an image ultimately rests with you. The Library generally does not own rights to material in its collections. Therefore, it does not charge permission fees for use of such material and cannot give or deny permission for use of the images. For further information, see "Copyright and Other Restrictions ... Assessing the Risk of Using a P&P Image."

Four first ladies seated in a row on chairs, each smiling or laughing

Former First Ladies Lady Bird Johnson, Betty Ford, Nancy Reagan, and Barbara Bush. By Laura Patterson. 1994. CQ Roll Call Photograph Collection. Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Division.

Ford and Carter testifying before Congress, seated at table with microphones

Former First Ladies Betty Ford and Rosalynn Carter testifying before Congress, Washington, D.C. By Laura Patterson. 1994. CQ Roll Call Photograph Collection. Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Division.

Four women standing close together in decorated courtyard

Former First Ladies Barbara Bush, Lady Bird Johnson, Betty Ford, and Nancy Reagan. By Laura Patterson. 1994. CQ Roll Call Photograph Collection. Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Division.

First Spouses of the United States: Selected Images

Prints & Photographs: Ask a Librarian

Introduction

A Note on Image Rights

Former First Ladies Lady Bird Johnson, Betty Ford, Nancy Reagan, and Barbara Bush. By Laura Patterson. 1994. CQ Roll Call Photograph Collection. Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Division.

Former First Ladies Betty Ford and Rosalynn Carter testifying before Congress, Washington, D.C. By Laura Patterson. 1994. CQ Roll Call Photograph Collection. Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Division.

Former First Ladies Barbara Bush, Lady Bird Johnson, Betty Ford, and Nancy Reagan. By Laura Patterson. 1994. CQ Roll Call Photograph Collection. Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Division.