Activities, dress display mark First Lady Lucy Hayes’ birthday

        To celebrate First Lady Lucy Hayes’ birthday, the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums is putting some of her gowns on special exhibit and having a day-long birthday party on Saturday, Aug. 29.
        From Saturday, Aug. 15, through Saturday, Aug. 29, Hayes Presidential is bringing some of Lucy’s intricate gowns out of storage and putting them on special exhibit.
        Access to see the dresses is included with regular admission. Hayes Presidential members are admitted free. Hayes Presidential is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
        On Saturday, Aug. 29, several special activities will be offered, including:
        • 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Complimentary lemonade will be available in the lobby.  Lucy Hayes’ dresses will be on display. Tours of the Hayes Home will be offered every hour on the hour, starting at 10 a.m., with the last tour starting at 4 p.m.
        There will also be a butterfly scavenger hunt on the Hayes Presidential grounds. Lucy Hayes loved nature and butterflies. Pick up the free scavenger hunt details at the museum front desk.  
        • 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Kids Days @ Hayes Tea and Picnic in honor of Lucy Hayes’ birthday. The event will begin in the museum auditorium, and then kids will go outside. RSVPs are required and must be made by 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27. RSVPs can be made online at rbhayes.org/events/2020/08/29/events/kids-days-hayes-victorian-tea/. Cost is $3 for kids and grandkids of Hayes Presidential members at the major level and higher and $5 for non-member kids. There is no charge for adults who bring kids to this program.
        The tea/picnic sponsor is Pamela & Joy at Billy’s Restaurant.    
        • 1 p.m. – Put on protective gloves and hold items that belonged to Lucy Hayes. Learn about how she acquired them and what they meant to her. This event is included with regular admission.
        • 2 p.m. – Gallery talk: Fashion of the Victorian era. See Lucy’s intricate gowns. What sort of undergarments did women wear under these large dresses? Were they comfortable? Did women need help getting dressed? Find out during this talk by Joan Eardly, Hayes Presidential education coordinator. Included with regular admission.
        For information, call 419-332-2081, visit rbhayes.org or follow HPLM on social media.