National McKinley Birthplace Memorial

William McKinley
National Memorial Free to the People

William McKinley
25th President of the United States (1897-1901)
Born in Niles, Ohio, January 29, 1843
 

The National McKinley Birthplace Memorial Association was incorporated by a special Act of Congress on March 4, 1911.  The purpose of the Association was to erect a suitable structure marking the birthplace of President William McKinley,
the 25th President of the United States.
The result was the National McKinley Birthplace Memorial.

McKinley was born in the city of Niles, Ohio on January 29, 1843.  The city donated the site for the Memorial which consisted of an entire city square.  The architects were McKim, Mead & White of New York and the erection of the Memorial was done by John H. Parker Company, also of New York. Groundbreaking began in 1915 with the corner stone being laid on November 20, 1915.  The building was dedicated on October 5, 1917.  The cost was more than half a million dollars, all of which was donated by the American public.

The 232 foot by 136 foot by 38 foot monument is constructed of Georgian marble with two lateral wings--one wing houses the public library called the McKinley Memorial Library, and the other wing houses the McKinley Museum and an auditorium. The Museum contains artifacts of the life and presidency of McKinley.   In the center of the Memorial is a Court of Honor supported by 28 imposing columns. It features a heroic statue of McKinley sculptured by John Massey-Rhind. Surrounding the statue are busts and tablets dedicated to the members of McKinley's cabinet and other prominent men who were closely associated with him. These bronze busts, mounted on marble pedestals, weigh between 800 and 1100 pounds each.

The McKinley Banquet is held annually on January 29th and other social and cultural functions are held throughout  the year in the auditorium as well.

Court of Honor
Dedication
McKinley Statue
 

The Museum is open throughout the year.

Monday-Thursday               9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday-Saturday                  9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Sunday                                 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. (Sept. - May )

2008 Holiday Closing Schedule

There is no admission fee.
Group tour are available if prior arrangements are made.
Call the McKinley Memorial Library at 330-652-1704.

Detailed directions
Exit from I-80 at Rt. 46, proceed north 4 miles to downtown Niles.

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