Home / Arts and Entertainment / Presidential Treasures: Unearthing History's Hidden Gems
Presidential Treasures: Unearthing History's Hidden Gems
28 Feb
Summary
- Historian Kimberly Kenney authored a book on 50 historic presidential treasures.
- The McKinley Museum holds the world's largest collection of William McKinley artifacts.
- A Bible used for McKinley's oath of office was recently donated.
Kimberly Kenney, a historian and author, has released her tenth book, "Exploring the American Presidency Through 50 Historic Treasures," focusing on significant artifacts. Kenney emphasizes the unique power of objects to convey history unfiltered.
The McKinley Presidential Library & Museum in Canton holds the world's largest collection of items belonging to President William McKinley. Approximately 10% of the museum's 65,000-piece inventory comprises McKinley artifacts.
Recent discoveries, such as the Bible used for McKinley's oath of office, donated by a South Carolinian, underscore that history is a dynamic, living entity. This discovery, inscribed by an African Methodist Episcopal church, provides new insights.
Kenney also highlighted other notable presidential artifacts, including George W. Bush's bullhorn from post-9/11, George H.W. Bush's letter to his children before the Gulf War, Franklin D. Roosevelt's NBC Radio microphone, and James Madison's walking stick. The museum is currently exhibiting "The Woman Behind the Lens: Frances Benjamin Johnston and the American Presidency" until May 31.
