Interior of the Taft House on Auburn Avenue in Cincinnati, William Howard Taft National Historic Site

PARK OVERVIEW

William Howard Taft National Historic Site in Cincinnati, Ohio, preserves the home where the 27th President of the United States and 10th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court was born on September 15, 1857, and lived until he left for collage at Yale University in 1874. The house belonged to his father, Alphonso, and remained in the family until being sold in 1899. In 1961, the William Howard Taft Memorial Association, then headed by Taft’s son Charles, obtained the property in order to turn it into a memorial. However, funding for restoration was hard to come by, and the organization began discussions with the Federal government to take over the property. In 1969 it became part of the National Park System. However, it wasn’t until 1988 that restoration on the house was completed, and the house was opened full-time to visitors.

Activities at the park include stopping at the Taft Education Center (visitor center) to peruse exhibits about the Taft Family and touring the Taft Family House. Inside are a few rooms furnished with period antiques and a museum dedicated to William Taft.

OPERATING HOURS

William Howard Taft National Historic Site is open daily from mid-February through mid-November, 8:30 AM to 4:45 PM. At all other times of the year it is open on Thursdays through Sundays, 9 AM to 4 PM. The park is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Keep in mind that times can always change, so be sure to get the latest schedule on the National Park Service’s official Operating Hours and Seasons web page for the park.

ENTRANCE FEES

There is no fee to visit William Howard Taft National Historic Site.

SCHEDULING YOUR TIME

Visitor Center
allow 45 minutes

House Tour
allow 30-90 minutes, depending on your interest in Taft

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