“Taft’s early life in this home laid the foundation for his distinguished career.”

Located at 2038 Auburn Avenue, the site comprises two buildings: the Taft family home and the Taft Education Center.

The Taft family home, a restored Greek Revival-style house, is where William Howard Taft was born on September 15, 1857. The home has been carefully restored to reflect the period in which Taft lived there, offering a rich, immersive experience into 19th-century life.

The Taft family was among prominent residents in the area. The rooms are furnished with period-appropriate pieces, some of which are original to the Taft family. Guided tours provide fascinating insights into the daily life of the Taft family, their values, and the influences that shaped young William’s character and future ambitions.

William Howard Taft grew up in a politically active and intellectually stimulating environment. His father, Alphonso Taft, was a well-respected lawyer and public servant, serving as U.S. Attorney General and Secretary of War under President Ulysses S. Grant. This environment undoubtedly influenced William.

Taft’s early life in this home laid the foundation for his distinguished career. After excelling academically, he pursued a career in law, eventually rising through the ranks to become the 27th President of the United States from 1909 to 1913. His presidency, though often overshadowed by his predecessor Theodore Roosevelt, was marked by significant contributions to antitrust law and efforts to strengthen the judiciary.

Adjacent to the Taft family home, the Taft Education Center offers additional exhibits and resources for those interested in delving deeper into Taft’s life and legacy. For those planning a visit, the site is open year-round.