A 501c6 Non-Profit Organization
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES
PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUMS
ABOUT THE MUSEUMS AND GROUNDS
The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums is the nation's first Presidential library, opened to the public in 1916 and celebrated it's centennial anniversary in 2016. It is located at Spiegel Grove at the corner of Hayes and Buckland avenues in Fremont, Ohio. The facility recently underwent a 1.3-million-dollar museum renovation and now features a new handicap accessible grand entrance to the museum.
New exhibits include interactive components that better tell the story of 19th U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes and First Lady Lucy Webb Hayes. The museum now has a Presidents Gallery, which has artifacts from other U.S. Presidents and has a replica of the Resolute Desk. The original is located in the Oval Office of the White House.
Visitors will experience the life of 19th U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes through guided tours of his 31-room mansion. Along your way you will learn of his careers as a Civil War soldier, an US Congressman, the Ohio governor and eventually President of the United States. Self-guided tours of the Hayes Museum/Library are available daily. Afterward take the time to follow in Ohio's earliest residents by walking the historic & beautiful grounds of the President's beloved Spiegel Grove estate, where both he and his wife Lucy are buried.
Each year, the Hayes Museum hosts at least four special exhibits exploring aspects of 19th-century history or the presidency. The Center also sponsors year-round special events designed with the entire family in mind. A complete list of activities and information is available by visiting the website. The first tour of the day of the Hayes Home is 9:30 am, and the last tour of the day is at 4:00 pm. Museum hours are 9 am - 5 pm Monday-Saturday; Noon - 5 pm, Sunday and holidays. Hours for the Research Library are 9 am - 5 pm Monday-Saturday; closed Sunday and holidays. The Center is CLOSED Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Admission is charged to tour the Hayes Museum and Hayes Home. Telephone or visit our website for current pricing. Research Library admission is FREE. Free parking (including bus and recreational vehicles). Motorcoach tours welcome with advance reservation. Our entrance is located at the corner of Hayes and Buckland Avenues.
A bronze bust of 19th President, Rutherford B. Hayes majestically adorns the rotunda entrance. A glass inlayed floor allows sunlight to pass into the lower level of the museum where President Hayes's Civil War weaponry including a cannon is on display.
The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center is a complex comprising several buildings related to the life and presidency of Rutherford B. Hayes. It is the first presidential library, built in 1916, and one of three such libraries for US presidents during the 19th century.
Virtual Tour of the Museum, Press "Play Button" below to begin
Additional Information and Maps
Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums is located in Fremont, Ohio and is just a few miles from Exit 91 of the Ohio Turnpike. The museum is open year round although dates and hours may vary seasonally. Please verify times before travel, information shown here is updated regularly but may not reflect up-to-date pricing and hours.
We are located:
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20 minutes from the Lake Erie Island Ferry in Downtown Port Clinton
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45 minutes to Cedar Point Amusement Park
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45 minutes from downtown Toledo
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90 minutes from downtown Cleveland
Downloadable PDF Information Sheet about RBHayes
ADDRESS:
Rutherford B Hayes Presidential Library and Museums
Spiegel Grove
Fremont, OH 43420
CONTACT:
Telephone: (419) 332-2081 (419) 332-4952
Website: rbhayes.org
712 North Street, Fremont, Ohio 43420 | 419-332-4470 or toll free 800-255-8070 | Fax 419-332-4359