C-SPAN begins 35-episode series on first ladies
By DAVID BAUDER, Associated Press
Feb 15, 2013 1:50 PM CST
First lady Michelle Obama speaks in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013, in celebration of the Black History Month, welcoming middle and high school students from the District of Columbia area and New Orleans taking part in an interactive student workshop...   (Associated Press)

From Martha Washington to Michelle Obama, C-SPAN is taking a look at first ladies.

On Monday, the public service network is launching a 35-part series on first ladies that will stretch for a year. Almost all of the first ladies will get a single 90-minute episode.

Executive Producer Mark Farkas says the stories are an interesting way to look at political and social history. Dolly Madison and Eleanor Roosevelt were very influential. There also have been tragic figures, like Jane Pierce, whose son was killed shortly before husband Franklin's inauguration. She didn't make an appearance as first lady for two years.

C-SPAN is working with the White House Historical Association on the series.