Road to the White House

Ready to join the Artifact Collections Team?

We think you’ve got what it takes to work on a special project collecting artifacts from Ohio and Indiana’s presidential sites for a special exhibit at the White House.

Up for the challenge? We’ve identified several objects belonging to Ohio presidents and first ladies. We think you have the know-how and leadership skills to help us deliver them to the White House for a big exhibition.

Heed the call of adventure by journeying on the Road to the White House! This experience will immerse you in an interactive game and adventure that plays out among interpreters, museums, and historic buildings.

2022 Game dates and deadlines coming soon!

Note: Road to the White House is an interactive game; the White House is not hosting an exhibit about Ohio Presidents and First Ladies.

 

Your mission, if you choose to accept it:

Complete an in-person or virtual activity at each site. Special recognition will be given to those of you who complete three or five activities. A special prize will be awarded to those who complete all ten activities!

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Collect a stamp or sticker when you have completed each site’s activity, and place it on your map.

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Once you have collected either three, five, or ten stamps - Mission Accomplished! Mail your stamped map (which will be returned to you), along with your name and address by the deadline to Fort Meigs, PO Box 3, 29100 W. River Road, Perrysburg, Ohio 43552, or text a photo of your map, along with your name and address to [email protected]

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Activities are geared towards middle school students, but all school-aged children can participate. Participation in this program is free; however, some sites charge admission fees. Admission rates vary from site to site. Road to the White House activities are included in the cost of each site’s admission. There is no charge for virtual activities.

Participating sites are listed below, along with their website, where you can find more information on each site’s virtual or on-site activity, hours of operation and admission rate:

First Ladies National Historic Site/National First Ladies’ Library

A portrait is a picture of a person, but what do portraits tell us about the people they depict? Learn about our nation’s first ladies as you explore portraits and personal items in the exhibition Defining Her Role: The First Lady's First 100 Days. Create a self-portrait that focuses on your best traits or share the love by immortalizing a friend or family member.

Activity leadership trait: I value other people’s strengths and learn from them.

This activity is offered both online and onsite during regular hours of operation.

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Fort Meigs Historic Site

Participants will complete three physical challenges representing the achievements of American Presidents during the War of 1812. Participants will be awarded an officer’s rank and presented with a sword symbolizing their new position. For a final mission, the sword must be delivered and presented to the site director.

Activity leadership trait: I use my expertise to help and inspire others.

This activity is offered on-site only at 1 p.m. Weds.–Sun. Please register at least 24 hours in advance online or by calling 419.874.4121.

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James A. Garfield National Historic Site

James Garfield wore many hats as a citizen for fashion. Find his hats and his many positive contributions to our nation as a soldier, congressman, and president as you explore the Visitor Center at this national historic site.

Activity leadership trait: I plan ahead and set goals.

This activity is offered on-site only during regular hours of operation.

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U.S. Grant Birthplace

Solve a riddle as you make your way around the humble first home of President Ulysses S. Grant. The Grant family was particularly good with horses, a skill Ulysses inherited, honed and used to help others. Look for clues as you learn about the life and family of our 18th president.

Activity leadership trait: I do things with meaning and look for ways to be a good citizen.

This activity is offered on-site only during regular hours of operation.

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U.S. Grant Boyhood Home & Schoolhouse

Experience history with Ulysses S. Grant! Explore Grant’s boyhood home and answer questions along the way. Participants will learn from special mystery guests and search for a special artifact.

Activity leadership trait: I am a responsible person. I choose my actions, attitudes and moods.

This activity is offered both online and on-site during regular hours of operation.

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Warren G. Harding Presidential Sites

The Laddie Boy Mystery club needs help busting myths about President Warren G. Harding and First Lady Florence Harding! Visit the Harding home to gather your cases and evidence to debunk or confirm the myths.

Activity leadership trait: I listen before I talk, try to see others’ viewpoints, and am confident in voicing my ideas.

This activity is offered on-site only during regular hours of operation.

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Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site

Learn about one of our Civil War Presidents by interacting with the docents of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site as you search for his Centennial Walking Stick. Participants will tour his home and learn about Harrison’s landmark accomplishments as a builder of consensus.

Activity leadership trait: I balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for what others want.

This activity is offered on-site only during regular hours of operation.

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Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums

Experience a day in the life of Rutherford B. Hayes as you explore the grounds, museum, home and library. Solve puzzles and follow clues to discover how Rutherford balanced helping others and taking care of himself.

Activity leadership trait: Balance feels best. I take care of my body by eating right, exercising and getting sleep.

This activity is offered both online and on-site during regular hours of operation.

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William McKinley Presidential Library & Museum

Explore the museum as your try to break out of this mini escape room! With a focus on William McKinley’s experiences as a Civil War soldier, participants will learn about his role in the war, especially the Battle of Antietam, to find McKinley’s Civil War escutcheon and where in the museum it belongs.

Activity leadership trait: Put first things first. I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan.

This activity is offered both online and on-site during regular hours of operation.

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William Howard Taft National Historic Site

Become a news reporter as you research and write about William H. Taft for the fictional newspaper, the WHT Observer. Complete your assignment and get your press pass as you learn about the 27th President.

Activity leadership trait: I do not blame others for my wrong actions. I do the right thing without being asked, even when no one is looking.

This activity is offered on-site only during regular hours of operation.

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