McKinley Museum Curator Shares Favorite Presidential Artifacts

Kimberly Kenney highlights historic items that reveal the immediacy of history

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Kimberly A. Kenney, the executive director of the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum in Canton, Ohio, has authored a book highlighting 50 significant presidential artifacts. Kenney discusses some of her favorite items, including the Resolute Desk, William McKinley's oath of office Bible, and other unique historical treasures that provide a window into America's past.

Why it matters

Kenney's book and museum exhibits showcase how presidential artifacts can bring history to life and reveal new insights about past leaders and events. As television shows like "Antiques Roadshow" have increased public interest in historical items, museums face challenges securing relevant artifacts, making Kenney's work to preserve and share these treasures all the more important.

The details

Kenney's book "Exploring the American Presidency Through 50 Historic Treasures" was published in 2023 in conjunction with America250. The McKinley Museum has the world's largest collection of William McKinley items, comprising around 10% of its 65,000-piece inventory. Some of Kenney's other favorite artifacts include the bullhorn used by George W. Bush after 9/11, George H.W. Bush's letter to his children before the Gulf War, and James Madison's walking stick gifted by Thomas Jefferson.

  • Kenney's book was published in 2023.
  • The McKinley Museum's new exhibit "The Woman Behind the Lens: Frances Benjamin Johnston and the American Presidency" is on display now through May 31, 2026.

The players

Kimberly A. Kenney

The executive director of the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum in Canton, Ohio, and the author of the 2023 book "Exploring the American Presidency Through 50 Historic Treasures".

William McKinley

The 25th President of the United States, whose artifacts make up the world's largest collection at the McKinley Museum.

Rutherford B. Hayes

The 19th President of the United States, who received the Resolute Desk as a gift from Queen Victoria in 1880, which is still used today.

George W. Bush

The 43rd President of the United States, whose bullhorn used after the 9/11 attacks is one of Kenney's favorite artifacts.

George H.W. Bush

The 41st President of the United States, whose letter to his children before the Gulf War is another of Kenney's favorites.

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What they’re saying

“Artifacts have a unique power to convey the immediacy of history. ... In many (cases), artifacts are raw examples of history because they're not filtered through anyone's lens — they just are.”

— Kimberly A. Kenney, Executive Director, McKinley Presidential Library & Museum

“History is not fixed. It's living and breathing, as we live. Sometimes, people find things they didn't even know their families had. When you have a thing discovered, it can change entirely what we know about a person or an event.”

— Kimberly A. Kenney, Executive Director, McKinley Presidential Library & Museum

What’s next

The McKinley Museum's new exhibit "The Woman Behind the Lens: Frances Benjamin Johnston and the American Presidency" will be on display through May 31, 2026, providing visitors the opportunity to explore more presidential artifacts and history.

The takeaway

Kenney's work to preserve and share presidential artifacts highlights how these unique historical items can bring the past to life and reveal new insights about America's leaders and events. As public interest in historical treasures grows, the McKinley Museum's collection and Kenney's expertise provide an invaluable window into the nation's history.