James A. Garfield National Historic Site Featured on C-SPAN

The James A. Garfield National Historic Site in Mentor will be featured on C-SPAN on Monday, May 20 at 9 p.m. 

The series First Ladies: Influence and Image will examine the life and legacy of Lucretia Rudolph Garfield, wife of President James A. Garfield.

The Garfields and their family lived in Mentor from 1876 to 1881, when Congressman James A. Garfield became the nation’s 20th President. 

After his assassination, Lucretia Garfield and her children returned to their Mentor farm, which is now preserved as James A. Garfield National Historic Site. 

Mrs. Garfield owned the Mentor property for the rest of her life and made numerous improvements to it up until her death in March 1918. 

She spent much of her time at the Mentor farm while also owning homes over the years in Cleveland, Ohio and Pasadena, California.

“We were very happy to welcome C-SPAN here to film on the property and interview our staff about Lucretia Garfield’s life and accomplishments,” Todd Arrington, the site’s Chief of Interpretation and Education, said in a media release.

“While her role as the wife of an influential Congressman and President is obviously important, we also emphasized her own intellect and interests.  We hope everyone will watch to learn more about Lucretia Garfield and to see James A. Garfield National Historic Site on national television.”

The National Park Service completely restored the house in the late 1990s, making it one of the most impressive presidential homes preserved for the public.