Link available for purchase on January 29, President McKinley’s Birthday
In lieu of an in-person event to celebrate President McKinley’s birthday, the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum will present Virtual McKinley Day: An On-Demand Digital Birthday Celebration. This virtual event is packed full of family fun, featuring two hours of exclusive history and science programming and demonstrations presented by McKinley Presidential Library & Museum staff and volunteers.
“We can’t have an in-person event this year,” said Executive Director Kim Kenney, “but our Virtual McKinley Day will provide a fascinating in-depth look at our 25th President, in honor of his 178th birthday. This robust slate of programs and demonstrations explores many different aspects of McKinley’s life, including what the night sky looked like on the day he was born, a cooking demonstration of the President’s favorite pie, and a behind-the-scenes look at the dome of the McKinley National Memorial.”
The cost is $25 per household. The link will be available on the Museum’s website at www.McKinleyMuseum.org beginning January 29, the President’s birthday, and can be viewed anytime, on-demand after purchase.
Virtual McKinley Day includes the following video presentations and demonstrations:
McKinley Gallery Focus Tour
Join Director of Education Ally Carlson for a tour of our McKinley Gallery focusing on President McKinley’s life and career.
Science & McKinley
Science Director Lynette Reiner will present a brand new program about the type of electricity that was showcased at the Pan-American Exposition, where President McKinley was assassinated. You will learn about hydroelectric power and what it took to illuminate Buffalo. You will also discover why there is a science center at the Museum!
Electric Show
Watch the Van de Graff, Jacob’s Ladder, and Tesla Coil in operation. You will see static electricity being produced alongside of how alternating current works. We are not currently able to offer the Electric Show in person, so don’t miss this!
The Night Sky: January 29, 1843
What did the night sky look like on the day President McKinley was born? Join HooverPrice Planetarium Director, Suzie Dills, as we travel back to January 1843 and enjoy the constellations and visible planets and compare them to our night sky today! Learn how people used the sun, moon and stars to navigate and tell time. Participants will also learn how to make a Big Dipper Star Clock.
Cooking Demonstration
Watch volunteer Sharon cook President McKinley’s favorite dessert in our pioneer cabin in the Street of Shops. As part of this program, you will receive instructions to do it yourself at home.
Scarlet Carnation Craft
Join Director of Education Ally Carlson for a step-by-step demonstration of how to make a scarlet carnation, President McKinley’s lucky flower.
Street of Shops
McKinley Tour Join volunteers Lynn and Patty Lue for a tour of the Street of Shops, focusing on how the businesses represented in that part of the museum relate to President McKinley.
Model Trains in the Street of Shops
Volunteer Tom Hale and museum guide Carl Patron will take you on a journey through the significance of trains as modes of transportation during the 19th & 20th centuries for McKinley and Stark County.
Monument Dome
Video Enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at the McKinley National Memorial, including a trip up into the dome!
McKinley Artifacts
Collections Manager Kait Bergert will provide an up close look at some personal McKinley objects and the important roles they played in the McKinleys’ lives.
Timeline and Fun Facts
Virtual McKinley Day will also include a timeline of important days in President McKinley’s life and some Fun Facts, prepared by Museum Education Coordinator Liz Persinger.
Wreath Laying Ceremony
The Wreath Laying Ceremony will be streamed LIVE on Facebook on January 29 at 12:00 PM. The ceremony includes local government representatives, a general representing the White House, a bagpiper, and a bugler to play “Taps.” The Wreath Laying Ceremony is not part of the Virtual McKinley Day package, but will be available for free on our Facebook page.
