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 women.
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 women 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
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.
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
East Wing Songs III
October 6, 2024, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
IN PERSON: The National First Ladies’ Library and Museum will host the world premiere of East Wing Songs III on Sunday, October 6, at 3:00 p.m. at Malone University in Canton, Ohio (Randall Campus Center/aka "the Barn"/Stewart Room). The performance features a lecture-recital format and will be performed by soprano Dr. Sarah Howes, Professor at Southwest Baptist University, alongside collaborator Dr. Mary J. Trotter. Musical compositions are the work of composer Jenni Brandon.
Legacy Lecture: Eleanor Roosevelt: A Civil Rights Warrior at the Highlander School
October 11, 2024, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
VIRTUAL: For more than twenty years, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt strongly and publicly supported the Highlander Folk School in Monteagle, Tennessee, where civil rights activists such as Septima Clark, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Rosa Parks trained. Join Dr. Melody Lehn as she explores how Roosevelt's support drew both praise and censure, as the school's integrated activities imagined a nation where people of all races could gather together and collaboratively address regional problems.
Third Thursdays Night Out Wine & Cheese with the First Ladies
October 17, 2024, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
IN PERSON: Join us for our Third Thursday Night Out with the First Ladies on Thursday, October 17, from 6:30 - 8 PM EDT. Enjoy a fabulous girls’ or date night out with appetizers and drinks as we delve into what First Ladies Abigail Fillmore, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Laura Bush all have in common — their teaching careers! And that's not all! We're unveiling a brand-new piece of interactive art an Augmented Reality mural like no other.
Storytime & More with Stark Library
October 21, 2024, 11:00am - 12:00pm
IN-PERSON: Free Event Introduce Your Child to the World of Books and Build Early Literacy Skills - Setting your child up for a lifetime of success is easier than you think! Every time you sing, play, rhyme, and read, you are investing in your child's future by building literacy skills, making learning fun, encouraging creativity, and sparking curiosity. The National First Ladies Library & Museum is closed to the general public on Mondays but will be open for these special events.
An Evening with Jenna Bush Hager: Speaking of Books Author Series
October 24, 2024, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
The National First Ladies Library & Museum is thrilled to partner with the Stark Library to bring Jenna Bush Hager to Canton through the Speaking of Books Author Series. Join us at the Canton Palace Theater for an inspiring author talk by Jenna Bush Hager. Before the public event, there will be an exclusive, private VIP reception at the National First Ladies Library & Museum (VIP Reception is by invitation and sponsorship only; please contact Patty Dowd Schmitz at pdschmitz@firstladies.org for information).
Legacy Lecture: Unveiling Edith Wilson's Political Power w/ Edith Michel
November 8, 2024, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
VIRTUAL: Discover the untold political influence of Edith Wilson with Edith Michel from the President Woodrow Wilson House. Explore Edith’s activism, her pivotal role during Wilson’s illness, and how her legacy shapes the modern view of First Ladies.
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 the eyes of these women and ensure that their stories are preserved to inspire the next generation of visionary women 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!
