Our Hudson Valley Tour Part 3: FDR Presidential Library & Museum

The Visitor Center of the FDR Presidential Library and Museum

We also visited the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, NY.

FDR was born in this home, which is modest compared to that of their neighbors, the Vanderbilts. As you can see, they were quite wealthy. After all, his grandfather was one of the founders of the Bank of New York. The Roosevelts were of Dutch descent, and prominent members of New York society. While they also spent the winter in the city, he grew up here in this estate they called Springwood. He lived here until he was 14, when he was sent to Groton, a boarding school in Massachusetts.

The house as seen from the side

When FDR became president, this home served as the family's retreat and at the same time, his political headquarters. He hosted visiting dignitaries here and at some instances, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and even King George VI stayed in this home! Dear Hubby said, he wonders what the king might have thought when he stayed here ("What a quaint cottage?!"), after all, huge as this house is, it is tiny compared to Buckingham and Windsor!

The estate also houses the remains of FDR and his wife Eleanor. Behind us is the memorial where they lay.

Myself, Berry and Cathy

Ok, I just cannot resist pointing these out!

1. Cathy spotted this! If you look closely here, FDR's famous Declaration of War speech should have included the Philippines! But it was edited out. I suppose this is the historically correct version. I ought to do some research.

2. In this statue created by the students of Pratt Institute, how cool is it that Eleanor is wearing oxfords here?!

See?

Address:
FDR Home & Presidential Library
4097 Albany Post Road
Hyde Park, NY 12538

Fees:
$14.00 - includes guided tour of Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt and admission to the FDR Presidential Library and Museum. Ticket valid for 2 days.
Youths 15 years and under free.

Hours of Operation:
The park is open year-round, seven days a week.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.
Buildings are open 9:00am to 5:00pm Eastern Time.
Grounds are free and open from sunrise to sunset.