From Friday to Sunday, the museum will host a series of events dedicated to the former president’s 200th birthday.
FREMONT, Ohio — One of Ohio’s most famous residents will turn 200 next week.
The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museum in Fremont is an entire weekend dedicated to celebrating the 19th President of the United States.
Rutherford Hayes of Fremont wore many hats in his life: Civil War general, congressman, Ohio governor and attorney. Born in Delaware, Ohio, on October 4, 1822, he retired to his Fremont estate, Spiegel Grove, after his one-term presidency, where he died on January 17, 1893, aged 70.
From Friday, the museum, which is located in the Spiegel Grove, will be open a number of events dedicated to the 200th anniversary of the former president.
On Friday and Saturday, there will be a birthday-themed quest room, discounted tours of the Hayes home, screenings of the American Presidents Film and Literary Festival, and free museum admission all day Saturday and Sunday.
Christina Smith, the museum’s marketing and communications manager, said the goal is to attract people from Northwest Ohio and beyond who have never visited the historic center before.
“Even though President Hayes isn’t very famous, it’s just an amazing story that he and First Lady Lucy Hayes dealt with in their lifetime and how these things still apply today,” Smith said.
A birthday celebration is not complete without a photo booth. At the holiday, there will be an opportunity to pose with the man himself.
And on Sunday, the full birthday celebration will begin at 1 p.m. with live music and dignitaries on the front porch of the Hayes home, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at Hayes’ grave.
Smith said the holiday honors a man from humble Midwestern roots who led the state and the country during a time of great political division.
“This is America’s first presidential library,” she said. “We have so much to do here. We have grounds that are an official arboretum, we have a museum, we have a library, we have the Hayes House. Everything here is simply wonderfully preserved. It’s a great way to learn about Ohio history and American history.”
Advance tickets for the Escape Room, Hayes House Tours and Tuesday Sunrise Walk and more information can be found here here.
RELATED: GO 419: Marsha’s Homemade Sides
https://www.wtol.com/article/news/community/go-419/go-419-rutherford-b-hayes-fremont-museum-birthday-celebration/512-cafec49d-027d-4a8c-a88b-aa180b275412
