Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace Set to Reopen November 22, 2011
The National Park Service (NPS) today announced that it plans to re-open Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site on Nov. 22 following a six-month closure necessitated by safety-related repairs. The home, located in lower Manhattan on East 20th Street, is the birthplace of Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States.
Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace was closed on May 11, 2011 after an inspection conducted by an independent contractor noted several life-safety code deficiencies, including the exterior emergency fire escape. The NPS accepted the recommendation to close the site because the building must have two primary means of egress, to include the deficient metal fire escape stair tower attached to the back of the building.
“The safety of our visitors is our top priority,” said Superintendent Shirley McKinney. “So while it was unfortunate we had to close the site entirely during this process, we made sure that the repairs were done to the highest standards and as swiftly as possible. And now, we are very excited to be able welcome the public back to Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace beginning
Nov. 22.”
Nov. 22.”
The exhibit gallery on the ground floor and the “Lion’s Room” on the main level will remain closed as these spaces are undergoing renovations unrelated to the safety repairs. The gallery work includes state-of-the-art lighting and a new security system.
The Birthplace can be visited for ranger-led tours of the period rooms at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information on planning a visit to the site, please check out www.nps.gov/thrb or follow the park on Twitter @TRBirthplaceNPS.
About 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. Roosevelt's original birthplace was demolished in 1916. After Roosevelt's death in 1919, the site was purchased by the Women's Roosevelt Memorial Association, rebuilt and decorated with many of its original furnishings by Roosevelt's sisters and wife.
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. Roosevelt's original birthplace was demolished in 1916. After Roosevelt's death in 1919, the site was purchased by the Women's Roosevelt Memorial Association, rebuilt and decorated with many of its original furnishings by Roosevelt's sisters and wife.
