National Parks: Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site
Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, lived at this site from his birth on October 27, 1858 until he was 14 years old. The reconstructed house contains five period rooms, two museum galleries and a bookstore. Teedie, as young Roosevelt was nicknamed, was a sickly but bright boy, from a wealthy family. To improve his health, Teedie began an exercise program at the house’s outdoor gymnasium that started a lifelong passion for the “strenuous life.”
After graduating from Harvard, Roosevelt pursued his boyhood dreams, as a rancher, naturalist, explorer, author and Colonel of the Rough Riders. His political service included reforming the U.S. Civil Service Commission and New York City Police Department, and terms as Governor of New York and Vice President of the U.S. Theodore Roosevelt became president when William McKinley was assassinated in September 1901. As President, Roosevelt pushed progressive reforms, such as conservation of public lands and trust busting, and negotiated an end to the war between Russia and Japan, for which he won a Nobel Peace Prize. Whom You Know appreciates the history that Manhattan has to offer, and Peachy Deegan think this is worth a visit.
Exhibits/Tours: Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm.
Park Ranger-guided tours of the period rooms are available on the hour, 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm and 4 pm. Each tour lasts approximately thirty minutes. Two galleries offer extensive collections illustrating his military and political careers, family life, hunting and exploring trips, taxidermy specimens, library, etc.
Events: A program of lectures by authors with recently published materials on Theodore Roosevelt is offered monthly in autumn, winter, and spring.
Getting There: The 6 train stops at the East 23rd Street station on Park Avenue South. Walk south on Park Avenue to 20th and turn west. 4 and 5 trains stop at Union Square. Travel north to 20th. The N and R trains stop at the East 23rd Street station on Broadway. Those wishing to travel by bus may take the M6 and M7 on Broadway, the M1 on Park Avenue South or the M23 operating cross town on 23rd Street.
Contact Information: (212) 260-1616 or www.nps.gov/thrb
Located at 28 East 20th Street
