#35: Harriet Lane

An unlikely candidate, Harriet Lane, James Buchanan’s niece, revolutionized the role of White House hostess, setting the standard for future first daughters and first ladies. A polished diplomat, she charmed foreign dignitaries and American society alike with her elegance and cultural acumen.

Harriet advocated social reform, championing causes like Native American education and mental health. Her keen artistic sensibility also influenced the arts, as she curated a sophisticated aesthetic for White House events.