Presidential library facts for kids
A presidential library is a special place in the United States that keeps important papers, gifts, and other items from a former U.S. President. Think of it like a museum and a library combined, all about one president's time in office and their life. There are thirteen official presidential libraries, and they are managed by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).
These libraries help us learn about history and how presidents made big decisions. The idea for these libraries started with Herbert Hoover, who was the 31st President (1929-1933). His library was the first of its kind. The largest presidential library today is the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. The newest one is the George W. Bush Presidential Center, which opened in Texas in 2013.
What Do Presidential Libraries Do?
Presidential libraries are super important because they:
- Keep History Safe: They protect millions of documents, photos, videos, and objects from a president's time in office. This includes letters, speeches, and even gifts they received.
- Help People Learn: Anyone can visit these libraries to learn about the president, their family, and the big events that happened during their presidency.
- Offer Fun Exhibits: Many libraries have cool museum exhibits that show what life was like during that president's time. You might see a replica of the Oval Office or learn about important world events.
- Support Research: Students, historians, and writers use the materials in these libraries to research and write books or articles about American history.
The Official Presidential Libraries
There are 13 official presidential libraries that are part of the NARA system. These libraries are dedicated to presidents from Herbert Hoover (31st President) onward. Each library is a unique place where you can explore the life and times of a specific president.
Here are the official NARA Presidential Libraries:
- Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum in West Branch, Iowa: This was the very first presidential library. It opened in 1962 and focuses on President Hoover's life and work.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, New York: Opened in 1941, this library covers the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt, who led the country through the Great Depression and World War II.
- Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence, Missouri: Dedicated in 1957, this library tells the story of President Truman, who made many tough decisions after World War II.
- Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home in Abilene, Kansas: This site, opened in 1962, celebrates President Eisenhower, a famous general who became president.
- John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, Massachusetts: Opened in 1979, this library honors President Kennedy, focusing on his short but impactful presidency.
- Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in Austin, Texas: Dedicated in 1971, this library highlights President Johnson's work on civil rights and his "Great Society" programs.
- Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda, California: Opened in 1990, this library explores President Nixon's time in office, including his foreign policy achievements.
- Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library in Ann Arbor, Michigan: President Ford has two locations! The museum in Grand Rapids opened in 1981, and the library in Ann Arbor opened the same year.
- Jimmy Carter Library and Museum in Atlanta, Georgia: Dedicated in 1986, this library focuses on President Carter's efforts for peace and human rights.
- Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California: This is the largest presidential library, opened in 1991. It showcases President Reagan's life and his role in ending the Cold War.
- George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station, Texas: Dedicated in 1997, this library covers President George H.W. Bush's presidency and his long career in public service.
- William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park in Little Rock, Arkansas: Opened in 2004, this center explores President Clinton's two terms in office and his work after the presidency.
- George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas: The newest library, dedicated in 2013, focuses on President George W. Bush's time as president, including his responses to major events.
Images for kids
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The Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington
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Stone Library at Adams National Historical Park
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Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies at Monticello
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Montpelier, home of James Madison
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James Madison Museum
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James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library
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Highland, James Monroe's home
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The Hermitage, home of Andrew Jackson
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Martin Van Buren National Historic Site
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Berkeley Plantation, home of William Henry Harrison
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Sherwood Forest Plantation, home of John Tyler
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President James K. Polk Home & Museum
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Zachary Taylor National Cemetery
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Millard Fillmore House
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Franklin Pierce Homestead
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James Buchanan House (Wheatland)
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Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
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President Andrew Johnson Museum and Library
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Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center
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Chester Alan Arthur State Historic Site
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Grover Cleveland Birthplace
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Seeley G. Mudd Manuscript Library (Princeton University)
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Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
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William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum
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Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site
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William Howard Taft National Historic Site
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Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library
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Warren G. Harding Home & Memorial
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Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum (Forbes Library)
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President Calvin Coolidge State Historical Site
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Logo for the Barack Obama Presidential Center
