NFLL Staff Visits Washington D.C.
This year's theme for the Christmas tree in the Blue Room of the White House was National Parks. Each unit of the national park network was asked to submit a 
decoration. The NFLL's ornament
is a large ball featuring Ida Saxton’s portrait on one side and the Ida Saxton McKinley home on the other. It was done by artist, Chris Craft of Massillon. As a special thank you to volunteers and docents a trip to Washington DC. was organized and participants were able to see our Christmas ornament hanging on the tree at the White House. A replica of that ornament is also on display at the Education and Research Center.
The White House website has a slideshow of all the ornaments submitted by units of the National Park Service. The National First Ladies' Library's ornament is number 98. Here's the link to the slideshow:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/slideshow/ornamentslides.html
Staff Member Describes D.C. Trip
I was asked to write a couple of paragraphs about a trip we took to Washington D.C. that was organized through the National First Ladies' Library. This trip was organized to thank volunteers and docents for all the time they've devoted to this historic site. I am 
so thrilled for the opportunity to convey to everyone how wonderful this trip was. I'll do my best to share with you just how much fun we had in the few short days we spent in the D.C. area. I know I speak for everyone involved when I say we were treated royally. The trip was organized to thank all of us for our hard work and volunteer hours that have been donated to the site over the course of the past 12 months. Having said that, I think it's been shown to us in the most gracious of ways how much the National First Ladies' Library values its volunteer staff.
Our first day's activities included a trip to Arlington National Cemetery. Even though it
rained most of the day, no one let it dampen their mood. I saw smiles on every face. The awesomeness of the site was overwhelming. We visited Mt. Vernon Estate the next day and were equally as inspired by the grandeur and history that was shared. From there we visited the Capital building where Congressman Regula showed us around along with a couple of guides. I now have a much greater understanding of how our government works thanks to our tour. The Capital building is full of history, tradition and beautiful artwork to rival that of any art gallery. Our trip was finalized by a tour of the White House in all its Christmas glory. The decorations were breathtakingly beautiful and beyond description. At the end of the trip we were invited to lunch at the Congressional Club by Mrs. Regula. Her warm words of thanks to us were heartwarming and more than once I felt tears come to my eyes. She shared her passion with us and I think it's become contagious.
I feel so privileged to be able to be a part of something so rich in history. History is always worth preserving and, most of all, sharing. That is what we do here at the First Ladies' Library. I invite you all to come and see what we have to offer; you won't be disappointed.
Vicki A. Wilson, Docent & staff member