National First Ladies Library & Museum
The National First Ladies Library & Museum stands as the premier institution dedicated to documenting and preserving the lives and legacies of America's First Ladies. Located in downtown Canton, this unique museum complex includes the restored Victorian home of Ida Saxton McKinley and a state-of-the-art Education and Research Center, offering visitors insight into the influential yet often overlooked role of presidential spouses.
Why It's Special
As the only facility of its kind in the United States, the National First Ladies Library & Museum fills a crucial gap in historical preservation by focusing specifically on the contributions of First Ladies to American history. The intimate setting of Ida Saxton McKinley's family home provides visitors with a personal connection to history that larger institutions often cannot match. This National Historic Site operates through a partnership between the National Park Service and the National First Ladies' Library organization, ensuring both historical accuracy and engaging interpretation.
Museum Highlights
The Saxton-McKinley House
This beautifully restored 1841 Victorian home was where Ida Saxton McKinley lived before and during periods of her husband's political career:
- Authentic period furnishings, including many original to the Saxton and McKinley families
- Ida's music room with her original piano
- Family portraits and personal mementos
- Meticulously recreated Victorian décor reflecting the home's 1890s appearance
- The front parlor where William McKinley often conducted presidential business during visits to Canton
Education and Research Center
Housed in the former City National Bank Building, this facility complements the historic home:
- Rotating exhibits featuring artifacts from various First Ladies across American history
- Comprehensive research library containing over 4,000 books by and about First Ladies
- Historical films and multimedia presentations
- Archive of First Ladies' speeches, correspondence, and public appearances
- Special collections highlighting the social causes championed by presidential spouses
Thematic Highlights
First Ladies' Contributions
The museum emphasizes the significant but often underrecognized impact First Ladies have had on:
- Social reform and humanitarian efforts
- Expansion of women's roles in public life
- White House preservation and American cultural heritage
- Diplomatic relations and international goodwill
- Advancement of education and the arts
Ida Saxton McKinley's Story
Special attention is given to Ida's compelling personal journey:
- Her early life as the daughter of a prominent Canton banking family
- Her health challenges, including epilepsy and chronic pain
- How President McKinley adapted White House protocols to accommodate her needs
- Her extensive charitable work despite physical limitations
- Her skilled artistry in crocheting thousands of slippers for charity
Visitor Experience
Guided Tours
- Expert docents lead visitors through the historic Saxton-McKinley House
- Tours provide context about the Victorian era, the McKinley presidency, and broader First Lady history
- Interactive elements help visitors connect with the historical figures and time period
- Special themed tours available during holidays and commemorative events
Educational Programs
- School field trip programs aligned with curriculum standards
- Teacher resources and lesson plans available
- Girl Scout and youth group badge programs
- Lecture series featuring historians and authors
- Women's history workshops and special events
Research Opportunities
For scholars and history enthusiasts, the library offers:
- Access to rare books and primary source materials
- Digital collections of First Ladies' papers
- Assistance from knowledgeable research librarians
- Regular symposia on women's history topics
- Publication opportunities through the First Ladies Library press
Plan Your Visit
Best Times to Visit
- Weekday afternoons typically offer smaller tour groups
- Special events are scheduled throughout the year, including Women's History Month programs
- December features holiday decorations reflecting Victorian Christmas traditions
Nearby Attractions
While in downtown Canton, consider visiting:
- McKinley Presidential Library & Museum (15-minute drive)
- Canton Arts District (5-minute walk)
- Canton Palace Theatre (5-minute walk)
- Centennial Plaza (5-minute walk)
- Pro Football Hall of Fame (10-minute drive)
Getting There
The National First Ladies Library & Museum is conveniently located in downtown Canton at the corner of Market Avenue S and Third Street SW. Street parking is available, and several public parking lots are within easy walking distance. The museum is accessible via SARTA public transportation, with stops nearby.
Historical Significance
The establishment of the National First Ladies Library & Museum in 1998 represented a significant step forward in American historical preservation. As the first and only facility dedicated to documenting the lives and contributions of all First Ladies, it has helped reshape public understanding of women's roles in American political and social development. Through ongoing research, education, and exhibition, the museum continues to illuminate the ways in which First Ladies have influenced policy, culture, and public life throughout the nation's history.
