Ohio's First Ladies take the spotlight

FREMONT — A new statewide museum initiative is inviting Ohioans to rediscover overlooked stories from the nation's past. In honor of America's upcoming 250th birthday, the Fremont-area Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums in Spiegel Grove is hosting a powerful new exhibit that brings long-overdue attention to the women who helped shape the presidency — Ohio's First Ladies. Titled "The Untold Stories of Ohio's First Ladies," the interactive traveling kiosk exhibit is on display now in the museum lobby at Hayes Presidential and will remain through Sunday, Aug. 24. The exhibit is part of a statewide partnership between the National First Ladies Library & Museum and museums across Ohio, supported by Ohio Humanities — America 250. The exhibit features rare video footage and high-resolution images of authentic dresses, hats and accessories worn by seven First Ladies with Ohio roots: Anna Harrison, Lucretia Garfield, Caroline Harrison, Ida McKinley, Helen Taft, Lucy, Hayes and Florence Harding. But it's more than just fashion. Through interactive touchscreen panels, visitors can explore the personal stories, leadership and legacies of these women — narratives often overlooked in traditional history books. "This exhibit is one of the most exciting projects we've ever brought into the community and to the state of Ohio," said Stephanie Bohnak, director of education and curatorial services at the First Ladies Library & Museum. "Visitors will be able to experience the elegance, resilience, and personal stories of these remarkable women — up close and in an unforgettable way — just in time for America 250." The kiosk will travel to museums across Ohio through 2026, giving communities statewide the opportunity to engage with this unique perspective on women's history and civic leadership. "We're honored to partner with the National First Ladies Library & Museum to bring this inspiring exhibit to our community," said Kevin Moore, Hayes' presidential curator of artifacts. "These stories deserve to be told, and this exhibit provides an innovative, interactive platform to do just that." People can learn more about the exhibit by visiting firstladies.org.