NOW ON VIEW
Current Exhibit : Apr 30, 2025 - Apr 30, 2027
The Eras Exhibit
250 Years of First Ladies' Progress and PowerThe National First Ladies Library & Museum proudly presents "The Eras Exhibit: 250 Years of First Ladies Progress and Power," a two-year exhibit celebrating America’s 250th birthday. This highly anticipated exhibit offers a fresh perspective on the lives and legacies of America’s First Ladies, showcasing their profound impact on education, policy, and culture.
The exhibit immerses visitors in American history, exploring the cultural influences that defined each era—from the Revolutionary War to the Modern Era. It highlights the strength, intellect, and influence of the First Ladies over 250 years, with authentic artifacts on display, such as a calling card case with mother of pearl inlay belonging to Louisa Adams and a pair of Mary Jane shoes worn by Florence Harding, along with her pince-nez glasses and their original case. These rare and fascinating objects offer intimate glimpses into the lives of the women who helped shape the American presidency and influenced the course of history.
EXHIBITS
ARTIFACTS OF THE NATIONAL FIRST LADIES LIBRARY & MUSEUM
The National First Ladies Library & Museum inspires the next generation of leaders by amplifying powerful ladies from the past. Rotating exhibits coupled with our permanent collection of more than 5,000 historical artifacts help give a fresh voice to the First Ladies who have shaped our nation. Feel the weight of their influence as you stroll the our galleries, and let the spirit of their accomplishments invigorate your own drive to uplift the world around you.
ALSO ON VIEW
Your ticket to travel through history at the National First Ladies Library & Museum
The National First Ladies Library & Museum houses a fascinating array of exhibits to help you learn more about the ladies who helped build our country. Start your journey into history and get inspired with every stop along the way.
The Saxton-McKinley House
The historic Saxton-McKinley House is the childhood home of First Lady Ida Saxton McKinley, the wife of the 25th President of the United States, William McKinley. The home, nestled in downtown Canton on Market Avenue south, was built in the 1840s, and it served as the Canton residence for President and Mrs. McKinley during his presidency in the late 1890s. The home was meticulously restored to its grand Victorian roots in the mid-1990s to reflect First Lady Ida McKinley’s life in the home. The Saxton-McKinley House was the first home of the National First Ladies Library and opened to the public in 1998. Today, it is part of the First Ladies National Historic Site, with the National Park Service providing tours of the home three times per day during open hours.
Marking a Milestone
Join us as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the National First Ladies Historic Site! What began as a single room in the Saxton-McKinley House has grown into a dynamic campus, featuring all three floors of the historic home, a visitor center, a research library, a park, and engaging museum spaces with rotating exhibitions. Explore how this remarkable partnership between the National Park Service and the National First Ladies Library & Museum continues to evolve, bringing the stories of America’s First Ladies to life in new and exciting ways.
Interactive East Wing Press Room
On the second floor of the museum, step into the role of a First Lady’s closest ally in our hands-on East Wing Press Room! Students will discover how First Ladies have communicated through the ages—from personal letters to live press conferences—and decide how they would connect with the American people today.
First Ladies Revealed
This film exhibit, which can be seen in the theater on the lower level of the museum, invites a nuanced understanding of the First Lady's role, revealing the intellectual and strategic minds that have shaped American history from the White House. Move beyond the ceremonial sash. This exhibit delves into the lives of America's First Ladies, revealing their profound impact on the nation's narrative.