Picture this: Martha Washington stitching a nation together with grace, Dolley Madison saving art from a burning White House, and Eleanor Roosevelt redefining what it means to lead—all under one roof. Starting May 6, 2025, the National First Ladies Library & Museum in Canton, Ohio, is rolling out The Eras Exhibit: 250 Years of First Ladies’ Progress and Power, a dazzling tribute to the women who’ve shaped America alongside their presidential husbands. Running through May 2027, this isn’t your dusty history lesson—it’s a front-row seat to 250 years of grit, glamour, and groundbreaking leadership.
“For 250 years, First Ladies have been powerful voices for change, resilience, and leadership,” says Patty Dowd Schmitz, President and CEO of the museum. “This exhibit tells their story in a way that has never been done before—through the lens of their enduring impact on American history.” And trust us, it’s a story worth hearing. From the Revolutionary War to the social media age, these women have been far more than sidelined figures—they’ve excelled as diplomats, advocates, and cultural icons.
Step into the exhibit, and you’re walking through time. You’ll meet Martha Washington, who established the First Lady role with poise and a talent for nation-building. Then there’s Dolley Madison, the War of 1812 MVP who charmed D.C. and saved treasures from a torched White House. Fast-forward to Mary Todd Lincoln, holding it together through Civil War chaos, and Edith Wilson, who essentially led when her husband’s health declined during World War I. “Visitors will walk through history, experiencing firsthand how First Ladies have shaped America through diplomacy, advocacy, and cultural influence,” Schmitz promises. “The Eras Exhibit is a celebration of their vision and strength.”
The journey continues with Eleanor Roosevelt, a 1930s firebrand who amplified human rights, and Jacqueline Kennedy, who transformed the White House into a cultural beacon in the ’60s. Hillary Clinton shaped policy debates in the ’90s with her expertise, while Melania Trump redefined the role through her poised independence and unique impact. “First Ladies have long been at the forefront of shaping our nation’s history,” Schmitz says. “This exhibit not only honors their achievements but also redefines how we view leadership, influence, and progress in America.”
Tucked in downtown Canton, the museum—housed at the First Ladies National Historic Site—is the only place on Earth dedicated solely to these women. “The National First Ladies Library & Museum is the only institution in the world solely dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of America’s First Ladies,” Schmitz explains. “Through education, exhibits, and research, we bring their incredible legacies to life, ensuring their impact on history is never forgotten.” Think artifacts, multimedia magic, and tales that’ll make you rethink the “supporting role” stereotype.
Plan a day trip—tours of the Saxton-McKinley House (Ida’s Victorian stunner) run at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m., with exhibit browsing and gift shop stops rounding out two to three hours. Tickets are $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, $5 for kids under 18, and free for tots under 2. “This exhibit is more than a tribute—it’s a call to recognize and celebrate the many ways First Ladies have defined leadership, championed causes, and shaped the nation’s story for 250 years,” Schmitz says. “As we look toward America’s future, The Eras Exhibit reminds us that the power of leadership knows no bounds.” So, grab your crew and head to FirstLadies.org—because these ladies deserve a spotlight, and you deserve the show.
“These women redefined leadership and shaped a nation.”