First Ladies National Historic Site consists of two properties in downtown Canton, Ohio – the home of First Lady Ida Saxton-McKinley and a small visitor center with an exhibit and film. Come learn about how the position of First Lady has evolved over time to include a public role. [cite: https://www.nps.gov/fila/index.htm]
This was one of the smallest National sites we’ve been to. The house was only open for tours, so we signed up and took the tour. It was interesting to hear about First Lady McKinley and all the sadness she endured in her lifetime. She lost her grandmother, grandfather, second child (a four-month-old baby), and her mother in the span of less than two years. This all affected her deeply, and at the age of 25 she had health setbacks that left her nearly an invalid. But she prevailed and lived to the age of 60.
The site was celebrating Ohio’s First Ladies, and their best gowns were on display along with with memorabilia.