I am a self-proclaimed presidential history nerd visiting from Texas. I've read a biography on every president in order through Truman, and my bucket list includes visiting where each was born and their final resting places. Of course, I also make it a point to visit presidential libraries, national historic sites, etc. I've visited dozens of locations across multiple states.
The National McKinley Birthplace Memorial Museum was one of the most heartwarming places I've visited. Belinda, the Museum Director, is such a gem! A few months ago as I planned my trip, I emailed the museum and she responded. It was nice to put a face to an email.
Belinda and I held a wide ranging conversation. I was interested in the building's history as much as in the museum...as I wondered how people used the building before she made it what it is today (she took over in 2022). She's done a helluva job. The museum is FULL of unique artifacts, including McKinley's actual sword used in the civil war. Display cases upstairs walk through every chapter of McKinley's life.
You'll see a bunch of other neat memorabilia and artifacts like an official presidential banner, the key to McK's birth home, and tons of items bearing his signature.
You also see: slippers hand crocheted by Ida McKinley, a piano belonging to McK's mother, and the desk used by McK when he practiced law.
Probably the thing that gave me goosebumps, however, was when Belinda told me they have the actual flag which covered his coffin. It's in storage now, but hopefully on display soon. She's also hoping for a donation of furniture that was actually in the McKinley home.
My conversation with Belinda almost brought me to tears. Hearing the way she's worked to make this museum what it is today....
Every time I visit a presidential history site... I am overwhelmed with gratitude for people like Belinda and others who had the foresight to preserve and maintain our history. This museum has the potential to really be something, and I'm so glad I visited! read more