Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library is open year round and offers visitors the chance to explore the Woodrow Wilson Museum, President Woodrow Wilson’s birthplace, the ground’s historic gardens and the President’s Shop. Take a self-guided tour of the Woodrow Wilson Museum to retrace the inspiring journey of the United States’ 28th president, enjoy a guided tour of President Wilson’s birthplace, or stroll through the Victorian-style terraced gardens behind Wilson’s first home.
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Museum
Housed in a renovated chateau style mansion is the Woodrow Wilson Museum. Opened to the public in 1990, the Woodrow Wilson Museum consists of seven galleries: Wilson's Family History, Wilson's Early Career at Princeton University, The Governorship of New Jersey, The Presidential Years, World War I, The Treaty of Versailles and The League of Nations. As you explore the museum’s galleries; photographs, documents and objects displayed throughout will take you back in time.
1919 Pierce-Arrow limousine
Do not forget to look for the 1919 Pierce-Arrow limousine in the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Museum. From July, 1919, until the inauguration of his successor in 1921, President Wilson rode frequently in the 1919 Pierce-Arrow limousine on official business. Wilson grew to love the handsome limousine so dearly that when he left office, his friends purchased it for him to use. A gift to the Woodrow Wilson Birthplace Foundation from Wilson’s widow, Edith Wilson, the limousine has been restored and its engine is in full working order.
President Wilson’s Birthplace
Adjacent to the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Museum is President Wilson’s birthplace, often referred to as the Manse. Enjoy a guided tour of the beautifully restored 12-room Greek revival Manse and experience what life was like when Woodrow Wilson was born in 1856. Wilson’s birthplace house museum comes to life through period furnishings, the Wilson’s household belongings and a guided interpretation.
Gardens
While the original property of the Manse was made up of outbuildings, functional plantings and served as grazing land for the family sheep, Victorian-style terraced gardens were designed by Charles Gillette and installed in the early 1930s by The Garden Club of Virginia after President Wilson’s widow provided funding to begin the Woodrow Wilson Foundation. Stroll through the historic gardens and delight in the boxwoods, lilacs, hostas and perennials planted throughout.
Thomas Woodrow Wilson was born in Staunton, Virginia in December of 1856 to parents Joseph R. Wilson and Janet Woodrow Wilson. Prior to Wilson’s presidency he was President of Princeton University and the Governor of New Jersey. Woodrow Wilson was sworn into office on March 4, 1913 as the 28th President of the United States and stayed in office until March 4, 1921. After his presidency, Wilson and wife Edith retired to an elegant town house in the Embassy Row section of Washington DC where just three years later, Woodrow Wilson passed away after suffering from a stroke and other heart-related problems.