This is a great place to walk and see history. The house is beautiful and the tours are well guided.
On October 4th the Hayes Presidential Center hosted a reenactment of what it was like to be a solder or family in the time of the civil war. The house was decorated very nicely and people were acting in the time period. It was a great day to learn our American History. They also have display on the Johnson Island Civil War Prison. Along with the information of the dig that is being done by Heidelberg University archaical department.
I knew very little about President Hayes. This tour brought the 19th President to Life. The large house has been returned to the style and condition of the period during President Hayes residency. Our tour guide was very knowledgable.
We took our grandchildren to see the museum as well as the house. We had younger children who were not as interested, but the middle-school age really enjoyed it!
The Hayes Presidential center is more the just a museum. Besides the museum, they have an extensive research library. It is excellent for people interested in tracing their family tree. Their is also a beautiful home to tour. Hayes's decedents actually lived in the home until the early 1960's. They have done a very good job of restoring the home to it's original form.
Having been to Fremont several times, we finally got to the Hayes Center and cannot wait to return to spend even more time. The Museum is spacious, the displays clear and uncrowded. We were especially taken with the display downstairs "Privy to History: Civil War Prison Life Unearthed." Thanks to archaeological discoveries on Johnson Island, in Sandusky Bay, a chilling picture of the lot of Confederate Officer POWs emerges. Years ago, I had read "Andersonville" about POW Union camps in the South and this exhibit showed me that the lot of POWs is horrid wherever they are camped. The material on President Hayes is very well done, especially the eye-opening description of Hayes's attitude toward Indians and Chinese immigrants. These two, coupled with the detailed narration of Hayes's election, prove that nothing ever changes. Next time we will take the 45 minute tour of the house after spending more time with the exhibits.
The setting is beautiful! The house was awesome and our guide was knowledgeable. The house has been restored back to its original decor when the Hayes lived there. Great place to go for a run! The nature is hothouse! Be sure to Take peanuts for the people friendly squirrels.
If you are looking for a stop along the Ohio Turnpike are within an hour of Lake Erie, DO NOT MISS a trip to the Hayes Presidential Center. The House has been meticulously restored, the Museum contains materials and items from the life the Civil War era and the times of a an important President in American History. We love walking the grounds of Speigel Grove with its mature canopy trees, open areas and Presidential Gate framed tree lines. The House and Museum are closed on Monday but are open all other days. The Center offers a great range of exhibits unique to museum goers and interesting to those interested in history and life in another time.
Historical artifacts and events about the life of Rutheford B Hayes, the beautiful grounds, hills and trees covered in fresh snow.
A great place for a quick daycation. History abounds.. Well laid out grounds consistent tours. There's not much else to do in Fremont Ohio but its well worth the trip.