Day 282 July 23 Franklin D Roosevelt Home and Presidential Library and Museum

 

This is our last day in Hyde Park and the day to visit the home of Franklin D. Roosevelt and his Presidential Library and Museum.  We are scheduled for the 9:30AM tour.

 



 

At the Visitor's Center where our tour begins

 

 

Springwood

 

This was the lifelong home of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, America's 32nd President.  When it was purchased by Roosevelt's father in 1867 the home was a large but simple Italianate farmhouse.  By 1915, Franklin and his mother, Sara, had completed extensive renovations that included the stucco and fieldstone exterior, the addition of two large wings, and a columned portico.

 

 



When he and Eleanor married in 1905 they moved in with Sara, his mother and lived there until he died in 1945

 

 

2nd floor bedrooms for adults....3rd floor for children

 

 

a boyhood collection of stuffed birds graces the entrance hall

 

 

Formal entertaining took place in the Dining Room

 

 

photos of various heads of state decorate the piano

 

 

Sara, his mother's "snuggle" room

 

 

The living room and library

 

 

FDR and Eleanor's room prior to polio

 

 

FDR's childhood room

 

 

FDR personal room after polio

 

 

Carriage house for his father's prized horses

 

 

Captain checking it out

 

 

The Rose Garden contains the graves of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt

 

 

Beautiful flower gardens

 

 

Part of the Berlin Wall

 

 

The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum is the first presidential library - and the only one used by its namesake while in office - it was planned and designed by Roosevelt in the Dutch Colonial style and houses his official papers, books, and other memorabilia, as well as the papers of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.  The Presidential Library and Museum is also the newest as it just open three weeks ago after a year long restoration .  Today there are many pictures and videos of  FDR's life.  Additional exhibits trace the life and accomplishments of Eleanor Roosevelt.

 

 



Presidential Library and Museum

 

 

1936 Ford Phaeton

 

 

which was refitted with hand levers so FDR could drive it

 

Very interesting visit to Hyde Park and one we would recommend.  We use to think "New York City" but are finding quite a different New York as we cruise the Hudson River.  It is beautiful!  We leave tomorrow for Kingston and another adventure.