National First Ladies Library Be Iconic

THE FIRST LADIES ARE THE FIRST LEADERS.

THEY SET THE STANDARD.

Inspiring. Empowering. Educating.

The National First Ladies Library & Museum partners with the First Ladies National Historic Site in Canton, Ohio, to preserve, promote, and educate about the significant role and contributions of our nation’s First Ladies, inspiring young leaders by telling the story of American history uniquely through the eyes of the First Ladies.

PLAN YOUR VISIT TODAY.

National First Ladies Library Portrait Silhouette

LET OUR AMERICAN ICONS INSPIRE YOUR DESTINY.

The impact of the First Ladies on our nation is indisputable. Their historic firsts set precedents. Their selfless dedication to causes larger than themselves creates indelible legacies. Our mission is to tell the stories of the profound contributions of these remarkable First Ladies and empower a new generation of leaders to follow in their footsteps.

Below are some of our First Ladies' important causes. 

How will they inspire YOU to make our nation a better place?

PRESERVATION
CANCER AWARENESS
CHILD WELFARE
DRUG PREVENTION
EDUCATION & ARTS
JOBS & HOUSING
MENTAL HEALTH
VETERAN SUPPORT
VOLUNTEERISM

EXPERIENCE THE FIRST LADIES NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

National First Ladies Library Saxton McKinley House

The Saxton-McKinley House

331 S. Market Ave., Canton, Ohio 44702

The Saxton-McKinley house was built in 1842 and is the last remaining home with direct ties to Ida and William McKinley in their hometown of Canton, Ohio. Ida Saxton McKinley was born and raised in the home, which later served as the primary residence for Mr. and Mrs. McKinley from 1878 to 1891 while William served in the United States House of Representatives. The couple also spent time in this home when they were in Canton during President McKinley's terms in office. The Saxton-McKinley House has been meticulously restored to its Victorian splendor for guests to enjoy.

National First Ladies Library Visitors Center

The Visitor Center and National First Ladies Library & Museum

205 Market Ave. S., Canton, Ohio 44702

The Visitor Center and Museum (housed in the former City National Bank building) hosts a several exhibit galleries, a Victorian theater, a children's interactive zone, a research library, conference and seminar rooms, archival storage and processing rooms, and administrative offices. Here, visitors can explore the legacies of our nation's First Ladies and enjoy featured exhibits that take a deeper dive into their contributions to American history.

ENGAGE WITH US

Story time Website

Storytime & More with Stark Library

October 31, 2025  11:00am - 12:00pm

IN-PERSON: Help your little one take the first step toward school success with Storytime & More! This interactive event in partnership with Stark Library uses stories, songs, rhymes, and art to build early literacy skills and spark your child’s imagination. Free for children birth to preschool.

Learn More

Talk with a Curator Website

Talk with a Curator

November 12, 2025  7:00pm - 8:00pm

VIRTUAL: Join our Director of Collections & Research, Michelle Gullion, for a rare behind-the-scenes look at the First Ladies artifacts and stories you won’t see on display.

Learn More

Legacy Lecture  Mrs. Lincoln in Love with Laura Keyesr Website

Legacy Lecture: Mrs. Lincoln in Love - with Laura Keyes

November 14, 2025  12:00pm - 1:00pm

VIRTUAL: Experience Mary Lincoln like never before in this live, first-person performance by Laura Keyes. Discover her story through personal reflections and Abraham Lincoln’s real love letters.

Learn More

Third Thursday  A Widow’s Work – Jacqueline Kennedy and the JFK Legacy Website

Third Thursday: A Widow’s Work—Jacqueline Kennedy and the JFK Legacy

November 20, 2025  6:30pm - 8:00pm

IN-PERSONDiscover how Jacqueline Kennedy transformed personal grief into national legacy. Join historian Karen Dunak for a compelling evening exploring JFK’s funeral, the "Camelot" myth, and Mrs. Kennedy’s lasting influence on presidential memory.  Third Thursdays generously supported by Employers Health.

Learn More

Storytime & More w  Stark Library website

Storytime & More with Stark Library

November 21, 2025  11:00am - 12:00pm

IN-PERSONHelp your little one take the first step toward school success with Storytime & More! This interactive event in partnership with Stark Library uses stories, songs, rhymes, and art to build early literacy skills and spark your child’s imagination. Free for children birth to preschool.

Learn More

First Ladies on the Page Book Club  Upstairs at the White House  My Life with the First Ladies website

First Ladies on the Page Book Club: Upstairs at the White House: My Life with the First Ladies

November 24, 2025  7:00pm - 8:00pm

VIRTUAL: Join us for a virtual book club featuring J.B. West’s bestselling memoir about life behind the scenes with six presidents and their First Ladies.

Learn More

 

LEAD THE WAY TO THE FUTURE

YOUR SUPPORT MAKES OUR VISION A REALITY.

Our First Ladies are American icons. When you generously give your time, talent, or funds, we can tell the story of American history through their eyes, ensuring that their stories are preserved to inspire the next generation of visionary leaders worldwide.

Memberships and donations support creating engaging exhibits, expanding educational programs, maintaining our historic site, and so much more. Support us today, and see what we can do together!

 

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American Icon Graphic Three Ladies Only for web

FIRST LADIES BY THE NUMBERS

15,076

Visitors to Our Historic Site in 2024

1,249

Volunteer Hours Served in 2024

5,674

Students and Community Members Engaged in 2024

Notice of Temporary Closure

Closed until further notice

Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the National First Ladies Library & Museum—including the Visitor Center, Museum, Research Library, Gift Shop, and the historic Saxton McKinley House—will be closed until further notice.

For the latest updates on the First Ladies National Historic Site, please visit www.nps.gov/fila. Updates on our reopening will also be shared here on our website and through our social media channels.

We look forward to welcoming you back as soon as we are able.