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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
From Presidential Birthplaces to Air Force One: National Travel Journalist Bill Clevlen Brings “Presidential Road Trips” to Niles
Nationally syndicated broadcaster and Smithsonian speaker will appear Sept. 26 at the National McKinley Birthplace Memorial Museum
NILES, OH – A national road trip through presidential history is making a particularly fitting stop in Northeast Ohio’s Trumbull County.
Nationally syndicated travel journalist, broadcaster, and author Bill Clevlen will visit the National McKinley Birthplace Memorial Museum in Niles, Ohio, on Saturday, September 26, sharing stories and behind-the-scenes discoveries from his newest book, Presidential Road Trips.
Clevlen has been traveling and speaking across the country in 2026, taking audiences inside presidential homes, museums, and historic sites. Earlier this year, he was invited to present the program through Smithsonian Associates, the Smithsonian Institution’s public education program.
Now that journey brings him to the birthplace of William McKinley, the 25th president of the United States.
Presidential History Comes Home to Niles
Niles holds a unique place in American presidential history as the birthplace of William McKinley, who was born here in 1843. Today, visitors can experience that history at the National McKinley Birthplace Museum and the nearby McKinley Birthplace Home.
“This is one of those programs where history doesn’t feel like a history lesson,” said Beth Kotwis Carmichael, CEO of Trumbull County Tourism. “Bill’s actually been to these places, and he tells the stories about things he’s seen along the way. To bring that conversation to President McKinley’s birthplace makes this stop special.”
His presentation includes everything from George Washington’s birthplace to presidential homes, libraries, museums and other unexpected historic sites.
Guests will hear stories and see highlights that include:
- George W. Bush’s childhood home
- The leather chair where Ulysses S. Grant spent the final weeks of his life
- Historic campaign sites
- A retired Air Force One aircraft that can be toured by visitors
It’s part history, part road trip inspiration, and part behind-the-scenes look at places travelers can still visit today.
Meet Bill Clevlen
Clevlen launched Bill On The Road in 2013 to share positive road trip stories, interesting destinations, and travel tips through radio, television, and social media.
The St. Louis-based journalist and broadcaster is the author of eight travel-themed books, including his most recent Presidential Road Trips, 100 Things to Do in America Before You Die and The Ultimate American Music Bucket List.
His weekly “Bill On The Road” travel reports are also heard nationally on the syndicated radio program America at Night, which airs on more than 300 radio stations across the country.
Plan Your Visit
EVENT DETAILS
What: Presidential Road Trips with Bill Clevlen
When: Saturday, September 26, 2026,
Time: 12:00 Noon – 2:00 pm
Where: National McKinley Birthplace Memorial Museum
(co-hosted with the McKinley Library)
40 North Main Street, Niles, Ohio 44446
Admission: Free and Open to the Public
MEDIA INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE
Bill Clevlen is available for television, radio, podcast, and video interviews in advance of the September 26 program.
Interview topics can include unusual presidential sites around the United States, presidential road-trip ideas, America’s 250th anniversary, and/or some surprising stories he has uncovered while traveling the country.
Media interested in scheduling an interview or covering the September 26 program may contact:
Bill Clevlen
314-537-9933
Bill@BillOnTheRoad.com