Auction Name: 2026 June 19 The John H. Freund Americana Collection Signature® Auction

Lot Number: 42181

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6331*42181

William McKinley Final Photograph Signed as President ("William McKinley"). Official President's Day program for the Pan-American Exposition, 5 7/8 x 8 3/4 inches; [Buffalo, NY]; September 5, 1901. The front wrapper features a printed black-and-white photograph of McKinley, signed by him below in pencil: "William McKinley." Additionally signed by Exposition President John G. Milburn, George B. Cortelyou (McKinley's aide), and Secretary of Agriculture James Wilson.

A remarkable and unique relic from the final full day of McKinley's life, this program is the last known photograph (and perhaps the last item) signed by him before his assassination.

On the morning of September 5, 1901, President McKinley entered the grounds of the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York, where more than 50,000 people had gathered for President's Day. He delivered an address on trade policy, unaware that it would be the final speech of his life. Following the address, he attended a series of engagements, including a reception with Latin American commissioners at the Puerto Rican Building and a luncheon at the New York State Building scheduled for 2 p.m.

At approximately 12:45 p.m., while en route to that luncheon, McKinley paused to greet former New York Congressman Daniel Lockwood, for whom he signed this program. The luncheon (followed by a social hour with coffee and cigars) concluded his President's Day agenda.

The following day, September 6, McKinley spent the majority of his time at Niagara Falls before returning to Buffalo in the afternoon for a public reception in the Temple of Music. It was there that he was fatally shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz, sustaining a wound that would kill him eight days later. As a result, the luncheon at the New York State Building on September 5 appears to have been McKinley's final opportunity to sign autographs. Only one other signed item from that day is known, that being a card sold by the Raab Collection. This program thus stands among the very last examples of McKinley's autograph.

Lockwood's ownership signature is present on the rear wrapper of the program. Also included with this lot is an original menu from the September 5 luncheon at the New York State Building. An extraordinary and historically significant piece, closely tied to the final hours of McKinley's presidency.

Condition: Excellent; McKinley's signature, although in pencil, is bold and dark. Program with only minor age-related wear; truly a well-preserved piece, exceptional given its provenance.

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