That’s the idea behind the First Ladies Walk in Marshfield.
Helen Cheek helps lead the effort each year. She works with the local Daughters of the American Revolution chapter—better known as DAR—to bring the stories of America’s first ladies to life in a way kids can actually see and hear.
And not just read about.
“We get volunteers to dress up and represent a first lady,” Cheek said. “They make their own costumes and share the history.”
This year, eight first ladies were part of the walk. Each one stood ready to talk with students as they moved through the event, learning a little bit at a time.
It’s set up just across from the historic Dickey House in Marshfield. Schools bring in fifth grade classes, and the students move from one stop to the next. The whole thing takes about an hour, maybe a little longer.
It’s simple. But it sticks.
“They get to hear what these women did, what their lives were like,” Cheek said.
A few schools made it out this year, including Marshfield, Hartville, and Niangua. Others had to sit this one out because of testing schedules, which happens this time of year. Cheek is already hoping more can join in next spring.
The Cherry Blossom Festival runs several days and brings in visitors from all over. There are vendors around the square, live events, and even appearances from descendants of past presidents. It all adds up to something that feels a little bigger than a small-town festival.
But this part—this walk—keeps things close to the ground.
It’s about kids. About stories. About taking something from the past and making it feel real for a new generation.
If you want to keep up with it, both the Cherry Blossom Festival and the First Ladies DAR chapter have Facebook pages with updates. And planning for next year is already in the works.
