The Eras Exhibit
250 Years of First Ladies' Progress and Power
Current Exhibit : May 6, 2025 - Apr 30, 2027
From the nation’s earliest days to the modern era, First Ladies have shaped American history through advocacy, diplomacy, and cultural influence. The Eras Exhibit will take visitors on an immersive journey through the evolving role of these women across the many eras of the American historical timeline, showcasing how they have redefined leadership, championed social causes, and influenced national conversations.
The Eras Exhibit captures the enduring power and influence of First Ladies through each of America’s defining periods:
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Martha Washington set the standard for the First Lady role during America’s earliest days, guiding and supporting a new nation with grace and dedication.
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Dolley Madison charmed Washington society and became known as a unifying figure during the War of 1812, helping to save precious artifacts in a time of crisis.
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Mary Todd Lincoln stood beside President Lincoln during the Civil War, enduring personal loss while advocating for the nation’s wounded soldiers and promoting causes close to her heart.
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Edith Wilson was a quiet powerhouse during World War I, taking on unprecedented responsibilities after her husband’s stroke and reshaping the role of the First Lady in American politics.
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Eleanor Roosevelt transformed the role in the 1930s, championing human rights and social causes, and setting an example of First Lady as activist and humanitarian.
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Jacqueline Kennedy brought a sense of style and cultural refinement to the White House during the 1960s, restoring its historical beauty and defining a new era of modern American elegance.
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Hillary Clinton represented the modern First Lady, pushing for healthcare reform in the 1990s and setting a precedent for future First Ladies in political and policy-making roles.
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Melania Trump has redefined the role of First Lady by maintaining a reserved public presence and emphasizing her independence.
This exhibit is a monumental tribute to the lasting impact First Ladies have had on our country. Featuring artifacts, multimedia experiences, and compelling stories, The Eras Exhibit will highlight the resilience, innovation, and leadership of First Ladies who have shaped the past 250 years. Visitors will leave with a deeper appreciation for the many ways these women have influenced the nation—both in and beyond the White House.
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 One-Room Schoolhouse
On the second floor of the museum, children will delight in learning about education in the 1800s by sitting in the wooden seats of a real-life replica schoolhouse. They can explore to their hearts content by writing on the old-fashioned slates, playing with the Victorian-era wooden toys, and ringing the old-fashioned schoolbell. A wonderful family activity!
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.