Explore the lives and careers of the eight Ohio presidents.

Ulysses S. Grant

Ulysses S. Grant was one of the nation’s greatest military leaders, but was he as good a president as he was a general? Join Curator of Collections & Exhibits Eric Rivet for a discussion of how Hiram “Useless” Grant became President Ulysses S. Grant.

Rutherford B. Hayes

Rutherford B. Hayes was many things: an abolitionist, a lawyer, a wounded Civil War veteran, a Congressman, and a governor of Ohio. But he is best known as the president that ended Reconstruction. In this video, learn how one of the most contentious elections in U.S. history earned Hayes the nickname “Rutherfraud.”

James A. Garfield

Learn the story behind the 20th president of the United States, James Abram Garfield, who was born in Moreland Hills, Ohio.

Benjamin Harrison

Benjamin Harrison’s presidency was unique in several ways. Join Eric Rivet for a discussion of our 23rd president and learn how he made several key contributions to our nation’s history.

William McKinley

William McKinley is frequently considered to be our first modern president. In this video, discover how our 25th president revolutionized the presidential campaign and led the United States onto the world stage.

William Howard Taft

William Howard Taft had a lifelong ambition, but it was not to be the President of the United States. Join Chief Curator Eric Rivet to discover what Taft’s goal was, and how long it took to achieve it.

Warren G. Harding

Blooming Grove, Ohio, native Warren G. Harding became the 29th President of the United States by one of the largest landslides in American history. But behind his popularity was an administration filled with scandal and corruption. Join Chief Curator Eric Rivet for a discussion of why Harding’s administration consistently ranks as one of the nation’s worst.