The National First Ladies Library & Museum has temporarily closed its facilities in Canton due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The closure affects the Visitor Center, museum, research library, gift shop and the historic Saxton-McKinley House, officials announced this week.
Although the National First Ladies Library & Museum is an independent nonprofit, it operates the First Ladies National Historic Site in partnership with the National Park Service. Because the exhibits are housed in federal buildings maintained by the Park Service, the shutdown requires the facilities to close.
“We are deeply saddened by this news and stand in solidarity with our National Park Service partners who are directly impacted by the shutdown,” said David Lee, president and CEO of the National First Ladies Library & Museum, in a statement. “Our park partners provide essential interpretation and frontline services that help bring the First Ladies’ history to life. Many of them now face an uncertain period without pay, and our thoughts are with them and their families.”
Lee said the museum remains committed to preserving and sharing the stories of America’s first ladies and will reopen once the budget impasse in Washington is resolved.
“We believe that our national parks and historic sites should remain accessible to all Americans,” Lee said. “We join others across the country in urging swift action so these treasured places can once again be open and welcoming to everyone.”
Updates on the museum’s operating status will be posted at www.firstladies.org.
