During your time at the William Howard Taft National Historic Site you can visit the Taft Education Center and the two-story Greek Revival House where 27th President and Chief Justice of the United States William Howard Taft was born in 1857 and lived for almost 25 years. Be sure stop by the Gift Shop located in the Taft Education Center to shop for gifts and keepsakes unique to the William Howard Taft National Historic Site and Cincinnati.
The Taft Education Center
The visitor experience at the William Howard Taft National Historic Site begins in the Taft Education Center. In the Taft Education Center a short biographical film will orient you with the life and times of William Howard Taft while the Center’s exhibits and programs provide a greater understanding of the role other members of the Taft family have played and the ways they have shaped public life in Cincinnati, the nation and the world. In the Taft Education Center’s Gallery I, discover unique information about the Taft family as a life-size animatronic figure of Charles Phelps Taft II, William Howard Taft’s youngest son and past Cincinnati mayor interprets the history of William Howard Taft and other members of the Taft family. In the Taft Center’s Gallery II, you will find static exhibits that document the live of Taft and his family and other special exhibits.
William Howard Taft Birthplace
The original home, a two-story Greek Revival house, owned by William Howard Taft’s parents, Alphonso and Louise Taft, is a reminder of the elegant era when the wealthy escaped the crowding downtown and growing pollution of the lower city in exchange for the fine country air and beautiful views of the Cincinnati hilltops. Take a tour through the first floor of William Howard Taft’s boyhood home featuring five restored rooms including William’s birthplace. Period rooms restored to look as they did during the time President Taft lived in the house are decorated with furniture from the era and portraits and books, many of which belonged to the Taft family. Ascending to the second floor of the William Howard Taft Birthplace, you will find solid insight into William Howard Taft and glimpses into the lives of his parents, siblings and children.
Shopping in the Taft Education Center’s National Park Gift Shop
Be sure to stop by the National Park Gift Shop in the William Taft Education Center. Gifts and souvenirs unique to the William Howard Taft National Historic Site and Cincinnati, Ohio are available to purchase.
- In addition to its permanent displays, the Taft Education Center is home to temporary exhibits that provide a greater understanding of the significant roles the Taft family have played and the ways they have shaped lives around the world.
- Remember your camera. There will be exciting photo opportunities during your visit to the William Howard Taft National Historic Site.