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 his new program “Myths and Misconceptions of the Contested Election of 1876.”

On the evening of Election Day, Nov. 7, 1876, it appeared to Rutherford B. Hayes and his family that his opponent, Samuel J. Tilden, had secured enough votes to win the presidency. The contest, however, was far from over. In the ensuing days, weeks and months, the electoral votes in four states were called into question, and the country was plunged into turmoil as Democrats threatened to renew the war while Congress scrambled to find a solution to the constitutional crisis.

Ultimately, a special electoral commission had to be created to decide the outcome of the race. At 4:10 am on March 2, 1877 — just days before the inauguration — Congress declared Hayes the winner by a single electoral vote. 

Today, the 1876 election is often remembered more for its myths than the truth. This thought-provoking presentation sheds light on what actually happened. Also featured will be 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.