250 Years of First Ladies' Progress and Power

The Eras Exhibit

Canton, Ohio is home to The National First Ladies Library & Museum and the First Ladies National Historic Site! By preserving, promoting, and educating visitors about the significant role and contributions of America’s First Ladies, they inspire the young leaders of tomorrow by telling the unique story of our country through the eyes of the First Ladies.

To celebrate America 250, The National First Ladies Library & Museum Presents The Eras Exhibit: 250 Years of First Ladies Progress and Power, offering a fresh perspective on the legacies and the lives of America’s First Ladies. You can witness and learn about their profound impacts on education, culture, policy, and how these extraordinary women left their mark on history. From the Revolutionary Era to the Modern Era, view artifacts, clothing, and more from the First Ladies, and learn the stories of how these leaders and icons helped shape the American Presidency and influenced the course of history.

Plan Your Visit

Enjoy a educational and memorable day in Downtown Canton when you visit The National First Ladies Library & Museum at the First Ladies National Historic Site.

Public tours of the historic Saxton-McKinley House are first-come, first-served for the first 15 people at each designated time and are offered daily at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. for a fee.

Visit Canton and the team at Library & Museum recommend planning about 2 or 3 hours for your visit, which includes the 50-minute tour of the Saxton House, as well as providing ample time to explore the museum's exhibit galleries across three floors, and a chance to browse the newly expanded gift shop! There's so much to see and learn, you'll want to dedicate some time to exploring it all!

Our Favorite: A pair Mary Jane shoes worn by Florence Harding, along with her pince-nez glasses and their original case. There's also authentic dresses worn by several of these iconic First Ladies. But it's not just neat fashions on display! We also really enjoy seeing the vintage political buttons, magazine articles, jewelry, as well as notes and letters penned by these iconic First Ladies! There's something for history, fashion, and policy buffs on display!

Don't Miss: A guided tour with one of the amazing curatorial staff from the Library & Museum will help immerse yourself in the stories and legacies of these influential and extraordinary women. And if you're curious about anything on your tour, the staff are great at helping answer any questions about the artifacts and history of the First Ladies!