James A. Garfield National Historic Site preserves the residence of the twentieth president of the United States, but also serves as a way for visitors to learn about Garfield’s life. Visitors can begin in the visitor center, where they can watch a short film that provides a history of Garfield’s life and the significance of the house at the site. After viewing the film, visitors can browse the small museum that is also a part of the visitor center. The museum goes over much of the information that is a part of the film, but in more detail and with significant items from Garfield’s life.

After the film and museum, visitors can take a tour of the house at the site (be sure to register at the front desk). Visitors first enjoy a walk up to the house to learn a bit about the history of the house itself and to see the front porch, which played a pivotal role in the 1880 presidential election–Garfield was the first to conduct a “front porch campaign,” where he talked to voters from the porch of his house. Inside, visitors can walk through the lovely home and learn about the furnishings, Garfield family history, and what the family’s life may have looked like in the house. We were particularly fascinated by the beautiful wallpapers that covered the different rooms of the house, as well as the large library at the top of the house.

Overall, the historic site offered a great time, as is the case with other national park sites. For those who enjoy history and historic homes, the James A. Garfield National Historic Site is a nice place to visit.