Girl Scouts and The White House
Juliette Gordon Low founded Girl Scouts in 1912 in her hometown of Savannah, Georgia. She was inspired to do so after meeting Sir Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts. In 1917, Low recruited Lou Henry Hoover to serve as acting commissioner in Washington, DC. Lou Henry Hoover was married to Herbert Hoover, the head the U.S. Food Administration at that time during World War I (he would become president, and she the first lady, in 1929).
Lou Henry Hoover believed that Girl Scouts was the best organization to promote outdoor physical activity, leadership, and community service for girls. Her involvement spanned decades, including acting as the honorary president of the Girl Scouts of America when she was the first lady of the United States from 1929 to 1933. Every first lady since has served as the honorary president.
Look at the photographs of first ladies with Girl Scouts above. Move them to the timeline so that they’re in chronological order. Click on “Show Hints” for help, or the “Open in New Window” icon for more information about each photo. (There is one exception: First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy was not able to meet with Girl Scouts and President Kennedy met with them instead.)
