By 1808Delaware
From time to time, we feature information here at 1812Blockhouse about interesting events and happenings within an easy drive of Richland County. We call this series “In Our Backyard.” Of course, we regularly feature the many extraordinary places to visit right here in Richland County and encourage our readers to get out and experience what is on offer in our own backyard.
Today we’re suggesting one of our shortest possible road trips — just 35 or so miles from Mansfield, and perhaps even a shorter driving distance from Bellville and Lexington. We’re also talking about a rarity — a brand new museum that commemorates the life of a President of the United States.
The Warren G. Harding Presidential Library & Museum has been the focus of local, regional, and national attention before and after its recent opening.The exhibit gallery, designed by the Ohio History Connection’s Bill Mahon and his design team, offers visitors the Harding story through a mix of historic objects, media, text, music and sensory experiences. The exhibits are designed so historical objects can be changed, providing repeat visitors different perspectives. An elegant event space offers a place for public programming, children’s education, temporary exhibits and private events. Of great important is the temperature- and humidity-controlled collections storage area to house more than 5,000 historical objects.
In addition, the Harding Presidential Papers, held at the Ohio History Center since 1923, are now housed here.
The first phase of the newly constructed Warren G. Harding Presidential Library & Museum was finished in the spring of 2021. with the dedication of the museum taking place in September of 2021. The Victorian-era home of the Hardings is located immediately adjacent to the Center.
The site is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with guided tours offered on the hour beginning at 10 a.m. On Sundays, the site is open 12-5 p.m., with tours beginning at 1 p.m. The site is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
President Harding was of course born in next-door Morrow County.
