This former first lady loved ice cream so much that it was a common appearance at many of the elite events that she threw at ...

1797 When James Madison retires from Congress, Dolley and James retreat from Philadelphia to make a home at Madison’s estate, Montpelier, near Orange, VA.

Even as early as 1808, the man who ran against James Madison for president believed that Madison’s charismatic wife Dolley was the real reason he lost. “I was beaten by Mr. and Mrs. Madison.

Dolley Madison’s White House was one of the few places in the nation where hope and determination continued to flourish. Although she was born a Quaker, Dolley saw herself as a fighter.

Still, to 21st-century ceiling-breakers, Dolley Madison’s traditional role as America’s “hostess with the mostest” seems a lot like her famous cakes: full of fluff and frivolous froufrou ...

Quakers were also pacifists who opposed war. Madison became a war-time president, which forced Dolley to explain her belief in taking up arms for self-defense to her pacifist family members.

“Dolley Madison’s life as an advertising icon into the 20th century is just a really fascinating indication of her significance in her own lifetime,” Chew said.

Tuesday Tea with Dolley Madison at Carpenters Hall offers an array of scones, tea sandwiches, and savory and sweet bites, along with the company of the first lady. (Emma Lee/WHYY) Facebook Twitter ...

"Dolley Madison’s life as an advertising icon into the 20th century is just a really fascinating indication of her significance in her own lifetime," Chew said.

House donors Dolley Madison, Jan. 8, 1844 Dolley Madison re-enactor Lucinda J. Frailly speaks in the White House during a ceremony of the First Spouses Gold Coin Program on Nov. 19, 2007 .