What's a Porch For?

A front porch can serve many purposes. For some, it is a place to enjoy the breeze on a warm summer night. For others, a perch from which to keep eyes on what's happening in their neighborhood. In 1880, James Garfield used his front porch as a platform to greet thousands of well-wishers during his presidential campaign. Today, the porch serves as a gateway to the story of the Garfield family.

Front of Garfield home with trees starting to bud.
Spring hours are in effect...

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am - 5 pm.

Children use wooden spoons to roll eggs across lawn
Easter Monday Egg Roll

The annual Easter Monday Egg Roll event will be held at James A. Garfield National Historic Site from 1 pm.-3 pm on Monday, April 21.

Special Events and Programs, 2025
Special Events and Programs, 2025

Click here for a listing of our special events and programs for 2025.

Garfield Memorial Library
Virtual Tours and Programs For Groups

Missing the Garfield home? Groups can schedule ranger-led online tours and virtual programs here to stay connected!

Scouts folding an American flag
Scout Flag Etiquette program

Scouts of any age can learn flag etiquette at the Garfield site!

Image of veterans pass, front.
Select free park passes available

The Garfield site offers the Active Duty Military, Veteran, Access and 4th grade passes.

Junior Ranger Program and B.A.R.K. Rangers
Junior Ranger Program

Learn more about the Junior Ranger badges you can earn at James A. Garfield National Historic Site.

The Wooten Desk with drawers, shelves and a pull down writing surface.
Learn From Home

Explore James A. Garfield National Historic Site from home using our virtual options.

Civil War Music Festival
New! Civil War Music Festival July 6

Enjoy music from the Civil War Era as musicians perform on the lawn of the Garfield home.

a white framed house surrounded by a whote fence in the front of the home
1880 Campaign Cell Phone Tour

Learn more about the campaign on the grounds of James A. Garfield National Historic Site and what visitors would have seen here in 1880.

Last updated: March 26, 2025

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

8095 Mentor Avenue
Mentor, OH 44060

Phone:

440-255-8722
If your call is not answered, please leave a voicemail and we will return your call as soon as possible. You can also e-mail us at jaga_interpretation@nps.gov.

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