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
Talk with a Curator
September 11, 2024, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
VIRTUAL: Are you curious about our priceless collection of First Ladies artifacts at the National First Ladies Library & Museum? Well, you’re in luck! Discover the captivating stories behind America's First Ladies at the National First Ladies Library & Museum. Join Michelle Gullion, Director of Collections & Research, for a virtual, behind-the-scenes glimpse into our priceless First Ladies collection.
Legacy Lecture: The Kentucky Todds in the Lincoln White House with Donna McCreary
September 13, 2024, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
VIRTUAL: Join Donna McCreary, author of Mary Lincoln Demystified: Frequently Asked Questions about Abraham’s Wife and Lincoln’s Table: Victorian Recipes from Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois to the White House to learn more about Mary Lincoln’s complex identity. This discussion examines the many members of the Todd family who came to Washington looking for employment. Some were successful in their quest. Others were not. Their presence created havoc for the Lincoln family and gave the newspapers fodder for their gossip columns.
Storytime & More with Stark Library
September 16, 2024, 11:00am - 12:00pm
IN-PERSON: Open the doors of imagination and set your little one up for school success. Our storytimes build early literacy skills, and also provide tools you can use at home to help kids learn and grow. Listen to a story, rhyme, move, sing, create art, and enjoy other activities together. While it just feels like fun, your little one is growing in ways you can’t imagine. It’s one of the best things you can do as a parent to equip them with the skills they need to eventually enter Kindergarten. Storytime is divided into age groups from birth to preschool.
Cooking with the First Ladies with Sarah Morgan
September 16, 2024, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
VIRTUAL: With a history degree in one hand and a whisk in the other, Sarah Morgan transforms historical tales into delicious dishes that you can recreate at home in our Cooking with the First Ladies series. In this interactive program, you'll not only learn about First Lady Sarah Polk’s historic life and her favorite recipes, but you'll also get exclusive recipe cards to whip up these historical delights in your own kitchen.
Third Thursdays Night Out Wine & Cheese with the First Ladies
September 19, 2024, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
IN PERSON: Join us for our Third Thursday Night Out with the First Ladies on Thursday, September 19, 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! You'll get an exclusive look into our newly opened exhibit, “Leaders in Literacy: First Ladies as Teachers, Educators, and Librarians.” This month, we’re diving into the educational efforts and artistic passions of over a dozen First Ladies.
Gilded Age FREE Tours of the Historic Saxton-McKinley Home
October 3, 2024, 4:00pm - 7:00pm
IN PERSON: On view one night only! We are partnering with Massillon Museum, Ohio History Connection, the McKinley Museum, and the National First Ladies Library & Museum at the First Ladies National Historic Site to bring more than five authentic Ida McKinley gowns to the Saxton-McKinley House for a FREE special viewing.
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!
