President McKinley’s Birthday Celebration & Pet Appreciation Day

Each year, the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum proudly honors the anniversary of President William McKinley’s birth on a Saturday scheduled near his actual birthday, January 29—a cherished tradition in our community. We invite you and your family to join us for a full day of celebration, history, and fun.

At 12:00 PM, a traditional wreath-laying ceremony will take place in front of the museum (weather permitting). Inside, guests will enjoy Civil War reenactors, electrifying shows in Discover World, Planetarium Shows, and a focused tour in the McKinley Gallery.

We also spotlight Presidential Pets, including McKinley’s beloved parrot, Washington Post. To celebrate, we’ll host a variety of pet-themed activities throughout the day—storytime, crafts, face painting, a Pet Plush Adoption station, and our one-of-a-kind Plushie Pet Clinic. All activities (excluding Pet Plush Adoption) are included with regular museum admission.

We will also be offering hot dogs and chips for a small fee, and everyone is invited to enjoy a slice of free birthday cake (while supplies last) in honor of President McKinley.

This celebration is perfect for history- and science-loving adults, as well as family-friendly fun for our youngest visitors.

Admission: Adults $17, Seniors $16 (60+), Children $15 (ages 3–18)

Children ages 2 and under are free. Members are FREE. EBT/WIC rates apply.

We hope you’ll join us as we honor President McKinley’s legacy—and celebrate the pets who brought joy to the White House.

All proceeds support our nonprofit museum’s mission to connect audiences through history, science, and the legacy of President William McKinley.