Visitor Information
Hours of Operation
9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m., Mon.-Sat.
12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m, Sunday
The Library and Archives is open for research by appointment only
To View Terms/Conditions, click here
To View Privacy Policy, click here
Library Location
donate now
Support Woodrow Wilson's Legacy
As a private foundation, the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum relies on the vital support of private individuals to achieve its mission of educating students, teachers, scholars, and visitors from around the world about President Wilson, his legacy, and his times.
did you know?
Wilson was president throughout World War I. He attempted to keep America out of the war and even won reelection with the slogan "He kept us out of war." Nonetheless, after the sinking of the Lusitania, continued run-ins with German submarines, and the release of the Zimmerman Telegram, America became involved. with the Lusitania, the continued harassment of American ships by German submarines, and the release of the Zimmerman Telegram meant that America joined the allies in April, 1917.
Woodrow Wilson was President when the 19th amendment was ratified in 1920 giving women the right to vote.
Wilson piloted the ship that brought America onto the world stage. He made the first steps of leading us out of isolationism, violating Washington's tenet of avoiding foreign entanglements.
He led America during World War I. His fervent hope was for the US to join a League of Nations, the precursor to the United Nations.
A Woodrow Wilson Quote: "Life does not consist in thinking, it consists in acting."
A Woodrow Wilson Quote: "The Constitution was not made to fit us like a straitjacket. In its elasticity lies its chief greatness."
A Woodrow Wilson Quote: "I believe in democracy because it releases the energies of every human being."
The Seventeenth Amendment was formally adopted on May 31, 1913. Wilson had been president for almost three months at the time. The amendment provided for the direct election of senators. Prior to its adoption, Senators were chosen by state legislatures.
Wilson was the first president to receive a PhD which he got in Political Science from Johns Hopkins University. He had received his undergraduate degree from the College of New Jersey, renamed Princeton University in 1896.
Woodrow Wilson could not read during the first decade of his life. Though undiagnosed, he may have suffered from a learning disability
Woodrow Wilson was known as "Tommy" until his college years.
Woodrow Wilson during his boyhood, helped establish the "Lightfoot Baseball Club" with his friends. Wilson played second base and was an avid sport fan throughout his adult life.
Woodrow Wilson was the first president to attend the Major League Baseball Fall Classic. He saw the debut of a young 20 year old pitcher by the name of George Herman "Babe" Ruth.
Woodrow Wilson was a graduate of Princeton University and Johns Hopkins University and the only president to hold an earned doctoral degree.
Woodrow Wilson image is on the $100,000 bill although it is no longer in circulation
search the e-library
Explore the life, times, and legacy of Woodrow Wilson in the compelling historical documents and images of the Presidential Library.
community
Upcoming Events & News
10/11/2014
Admiral Cary Travers Grayson, born this day on October 11, 1878 in Culpeper, Virginia, was a surgeon in the United States Navy who served a variety of roles from, doctor,…
Click Here for Details10/10/2014
From the White House, on October 10, 1913 President Wilson presses a button that detonates a charge to destroy the Gamboa Dike in Panama, leading to the completion of the…
Click Here for Details