McKinley Memorial Museum, Niles

About McKinley Memorial Museum

The National McKinley Birthplace Memorial Museum honors President William McKinley through exhibits and historical artifacts displayed in a landmark Greek Classical structure in Niles, Ohio. Designed by the renowned architectural firm McKim, Mead and White and dedicated in 1917, the 232-foot-by-136-foot monument was built with contributions from around the world. Visitors explore the building's two lateral wings: one houses the McKinley Memorial Library, while the other contains the McKinley Museum and an auditorium. The center Court of Honor features 28 imposing columns supporting a heroic statue of William McKinley sculpted by John Massey-Rhind. Bronze busts of politicians, industrialists and financiers who shaped the Mahoning Valley region line the Court of Honor, auditorium and library, each mounted on marble pedestals and weighing between 800 and 1,100 pounds. The site occupies the grounds where McKinley once attended a one-room schoolhouse. School and group tours are available by contacting the museum director.