Historic Portrayal: First Lady Florence Harding

Thanks to Women in History Ohio, a nonprofit dedicated to the education of all people through the dramatic re-creation of the lives of notable women in history, we will be visited by First Lady Florence Harding, portrayed by Ruth Pangrace. This Historic Portrayal will take place at 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 10 in Orchestra Hall.

Florence Mabel Kling Harding served as First Lady from 1921-1923 as the wife of President Warren G. Harding.

Energetic and strong-willed, she paved the way for “modern” first ladies who would follow her. Unfortunately, Harding is remembered as one of the worst presidents this country has ever seen, and his one term was plagued with scandal and corruption.

Meet “The Duchess” and hear the shocking story of a woman you will not soon forget.

Pangrace joined Women in History Ohio in 1998 and portrays 12 notable American women.

She taught preschool to grad school students for 30 years and is now a retired Lakewood language arts and social studies teacher who also dabbled in community theater.

Currently, she volunteers at The Hope Center for Refugees, working with newcomers who have a rich history of their own.

She lives in Rocky River Ohio, has three grown children and three granddaughters, hopefully future Women in History.