Destination: President’s Day Little Known Presidential Stories
Destination: President’s Day Little Known Presidential Stories
For President’s Day, it’s the perfect time to share a few ” President’s Day Little Known Presidential stories – some funny and some will have you saying, “I didn’t know that.”
Take a listen to the show filled with stories. And, start planning a journey to see the many Presidential sites, monuments, libraries and childhood homes around the country.
Presidential Libraries & Museums These are the official archival libraries and museums that preserve each president’s papers, artifacts, and exhibits on their life and presidency.
Herbert Hoover Presidential Library & Museum
- Location: West Branch, Iowa
- Description: Museum & archives dedicated to President Hoover’s life and public service.
- Website: https://www.archives.gov/presidential-libraries/hoover
- Hours: Vary seasonally; check website.
Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum
- Location: Hyde Park, New York
- Description: America’s first presidential library, housing FDR’s papers and exhibits.
- Website: https://www.archives.gov/presidential-libraries/fdr
- Hours: Typically 10 am–5 pm (check site).
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum
- Location: Independence, Missouri
- Website: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov
Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home
- Location: Abilene, Kansas
- Website: https://www.eisenhower.archives.gov
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts
- Website: https://www.jfklibrary.org
Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library & Museum
- Location: Austin, Texas
- Website: https://www.lbjlibrary.org
Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum
- Location: Yorba Linda, California (plus materials at College Park, MD)
- Website: https://www.nixonlibrary.gov
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum
- Locations: Ann Arbor, MI (Library) & Grand Rapids, MI (Museum)
- Website: https://www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia
- Website: https://www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum
- Location: Simi Valley, California
- Website: https://www.reaganlibrary.gov
George Bush Presidential Library & Museum
- Location: College Station, Texas
- Website: https://www.bush41.org
William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum
- Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
- Website: https://www.clintonlibrary.gov
George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum
- Location: Dallas, Texas
- Website: https://www.bushcenter.org
Barack Obama Presidential Library (In Development)
- Location: Chicago, Illinois (Library in development)
- Website: https://www.obamalibrary.org
Presidential Homes, Birthplaces & Historic Sites These are historic homes, childhood homes, parks, and national historic sites where presidents were born, raised, lived, studied, or shaped their early years. Many have guided tours, interpretive exhibits, and historical programs.
Adams National Historical Park
- Location: Quincy, Massachusetts
- Description: Preserves the homes of Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams, plus family buildings.
- Website: https://www.nps.gov/adam
- Hours: Seasonal; check NPS site.
James K. Polk Home & Museum
- Location: Columbia, Tennessee
- Description: Home & museum of the 11th president; guided tours available.
- Website: https://www.jameskpolk.com
- Hours: Vary by season.
Jimmy Carter National Historical Park
- Location: Plains, Georgia
- Description: Comprehensive site including Carter’s residences, boyhood farm, school, and railroad depot.
- Website: https://www.nps.gov/jica
- Hours: Typically daily; check online.
James A. Garfield National Historic Site
- Location: Mentor, Ohio
- Description: Garfield’s estate and early presidential library.
- Website: https://www.nps.gov/gafo
- Hours: Seasonal; check NPS.
The White House (Washington, D.C.)
- Description: The People’s House and primary presidential residence. Public tours require advance reservations.
- Website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/tours-events
Smithsonian National Museum of American History (Washington, D.C.)
- Description: Exhibits on U.S. presidents, including Lincoln memorabilia and artifacts.
- Website: https://americanhistory.si.edu
Roosevelt’s Little White House Historic Site (FDR’s Retreat)
Location: Warm Springs, Georgia What you’ll experience: FDR’s personal retreat, museum exhibits, and the setting tied to his final days. Hours: 9:00 a.m.–4:45 p.m. daily (last entry typically near closing); closed major holidays. Website: Visit Roosevelt’s Little White House Official Site
Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson
Location: Augusta, Georgia What you’ll experience: Guided tours interpreting Wilson’s early life in the post–Civil War South. Hours: Wednesday–Saturday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (tours on the hour; lunch closure typically 12–1). Website: Visit Woodrow Wilson Boyhood Home Official Site
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum
Location: Staunton, Virginia What you’ll experience: Museum, archives, and campus exploring Wilson’s life and presidency. Hours: Typically 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (check site for weather closures or seasonal changes). Website: https://www.woodrowwilson.org
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Location: Mount Vernon, Virginia What you’ll experience: Mansion, grounds, museum, and extensive interpretation including the enslaved community. Hours:
- Apr–Oct: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Nov–Mar: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Website: https://www.mountvernon.org
Monticello (Thomas Jefferson)
Location: Near Charlottesville, Virginia What you’ll experience: Jefferson’s home, exhibitions, and major interpretation of slavery and plantation life. Hours: Seasonal / variable — daily calendar posted online. Website: https://www.monticello.org
Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
Location: Nashville, Tennessee What you’ll experience: Mansion tours, grounds, and museum interpretation of Jackson’s life and era. Hours: Typically 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (last ticket ~3:00 p.m.). Website: https://thehermitage.com
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Location: Springfield, Illinois What you’ll experience: Lincoln’s preserved neighborhood and ranger-guided home tours. Hours: Visitor Center usually 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Website: https://www.nps.gov/liho
Harry S. Truman National Historic Site
Location: Independence, Missouri What you’ll experience: Truman home tours plus related family and political sites. Hours: Typically open Wednesday–Sunday (verify seasonal schedule). Website: Visit Truman National Historic Site (NPS)
Eisenhower National Historic Site
Location: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania What you’ll experience: Eisenhower’s farm and interpretation of Cold Wa...