Rutherford B. Hayes

Hayes was the 19th U.S. President serving from 1877-1881. He was also a Ohio governor, a U.S. Congressman and a General in the Civil War and loving husband to Lucy and father to eight children.

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Search Our Library

Honoring the memory of Rutherford B. Hayes, his family established the first presidential library open to the public in 1916. For 100 years the collections have grown beyond the core collection to include 90,000 books, manuscripts and images which reflect Hayes' special interests, including genealogy, local history, and the Gilded Age period in which he lived.

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Visit The Estate

Spiegel Grove houses the Hayes Museum and 31 room mansion, along with 25 acres of park and the burial site of President and Mrs. Hayes.

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Everything You Need to Know

News & Media

A Presidential Christmas: All the holiday info you need here

Thursday, October 30, 2025

The Hayes Presidential Library & Museums has a season of magical events for making memories. Get all the details here. 

"Hayes Train Special" model train display delights visitors through the holiday season

Thursday, October 30, 2025

Since 1994, model trains at the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums have delighted visitors of all ages throughout the holiday season.

The “Hayes Train Special” is a multi-tiered exhibit of model trains that wind through a winter wonderland reminiscent of President Rutherford B. Hayes’ day with interactive buttons that let visitors get involved with the display.

Hayes Presidential holiday season kickoff Nov. 28 features model trains, train rides, discounted admission

Thursday, October 30, 2025

Kick off the holiday season with train rides through Spiegel Grove, the opening of the “Hayes Train Special model” train display and discounted admission on Friday, Nov. 28, at the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums.

Deck the Doors holiday wreath class at Spiegel Grove

Thursday, October 30, 2025

Make your own beautiful holiday wreath with fresh evergreens from Spiegel Grove, the estate of President Rutherford and First Lady Lucy Hayes, during a class on Sunday, Nov. 30, at the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums.

Through this Deck the Doors with River Bend Homestead class, leader Becca Matthews will walk you through creating your own wreath design. The class is from 1 to 3 p.m.