Formal evening celebrates 150th anniversary of 1876 election

Spend an exclusive formal evening in the historic Hayes Home and museum enjoying live campaign music from 1876 and hearing the true story behind President Rutherford B. Hayes’ election on Saturday, Nov. 7.

Celebrate the sesquicentennial – 150^th anniversary – of President Hayes’ Election of 1876 with this special event from 6 to 9 p.m.

The evening will begin with a performance of historic campaign music sung by Joan Eckermann, Hayes Presidential Library & Museums special events and volunteer coordinator and professionally trained vocalist, in the large parlor of the Hayes Home, the same parlor where President Hayes and his wife, First Lady Lucy Hayes, entertained guests. Eckermann will be accompanied on the piano by Jennifer Barrett, Hayes descendant and Hayes Presidential Board of Trustees member.

During this portion of the evening, guests can view the first floor of the house while enjoying a cup of hot cider and perusing a special exhibit of music manuscripts from Hayes Presidential’s archives.

Then the event will continue in the museum auditorium with a presentation on the story behind the contested Election of 1876 by Hayes Presidential Historian Joshua Dubbert. He will share the new program “Toward a New Interpretation of the Election of 1876” along with a display of artifacts and documents related to the contested election.

A range of hors d’ oeuvres and drinks will be served. The attire is 21^st-century formal, though guests are welcome to dress in period clothing. This event is limited to 45 guests. 

Tickets are $75 per person, and can be purchased below. They will be available until 11:59 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6.

Tickets

Hayes Presidential is America’s first presidential library and the forerunner of the federal presidential library system. It is partially funded by the state of Ohio and affiliated with the Ohio History Connection. Hayes Presidential is located at Spiegel Grove on Buckland Avenue.

For information, call 419-332-2081, or visit rbhayes.org. Like Hayes Presidential on Facebook and follow on Instagram at rbhayespres and on Bluesky at rbhayespres.bsky.social.