The Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, 432 W. Walnut St., Allentown, is hosting a lecture and book signing on "All the Presidents' Gardens: Madison's Cabbages to Kennedy's Roses - How the White House Grounds Have Grown with America," by New York Times best-selling author Marta McDowell at 1 p.m. Oct. 15.

The 18 acres surrounding the White House have been an unwitting witness to history. Kings and queens have dined there, bills and treaties have been signed, and presidents have arrived and departed. Throughout it all, the grounds have remained not only beautiful, but also a powerful reflection of American trends.In "All the Presidents' Gardens," best-selling author Marta McDowell tells the untold history of the White House grounds, starting with plant-obsessed George Washington and ending with Michelle Obama's kitchen garden.McDowell reveals fascinating tidbits about Lincoln's goats, Ike's putting green, Jackie's iconic roses, Amy Carter's tree house and more.McDowell's articles have appeared in numerous prominent publications including New York Times and Fine Gardening as well as scholarly horticultural journals. She teaches landscape history and horticulture at the New York Botanical Garden.This presentation is being held in conjunction with the museum's new exhibit: "The American presidency." The exhibit features presidential portraits, rare campaign buttons, authentic commemorative pieces and even original items related to individual presidents that tell the story of the American presidency. The exhibit investigates the evolution of the complex and powerful role of the president and examines how recent historians have ranked the success of presidents. A local component explores the many American presidents and presidential candidates who have visited the Lehigh Valley.Copies of McDowell's book will be available for purchase, and the author will sign copies following the presentation.Event admission is free to Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum/Lehigh County Historical Society members; nonmembers pay $8 for adults, $3 for nonmember children.For more information visit

www.lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org or the museum's page on Facebook.