Barbara and Laura Bush will visit GR

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Barbara and Laura Bush are scheduled to visit Grand Rapids in April to celebrate Gerald R. Ford's centennial birthday and Betty Ford's 95th birthday.

The former first ladies will participate in a luncheon as part of a day-long conference about the nation's first ladies.

The America's First Ladies: An Enduring Legacy conference will take place on April 8. The conference will share insight about the first ladies and how they have affected change and advanced society.

"The Ford family is thrilled that our dear friends Barbara and Laura Bush will celebrate dad and mom's remarkable legacies with us," said Susan Ford Bales. Ford Bales said the conference will review the role of the first lady, and the pressure that comes along with it.

The conference will include a teacher workshop, luncheon, afternoon symposium and public reception. The conference is part of a series of conferences on America's first ladies, launched by American University in 2011. It has been presented in partnership with the White House Historical Association and the National Archives Presidential Libraries.

People who are interested in attending the conference can purchase tickets to the luncheon and register for the panel discussion by calling the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation at 616-254-0396.