Spotlight: FDR Presidential Library and Museum

Last Updated on February 12, 2024 by Travelationship

In October 1929, Wall Street had the single worst day, “Black Tuesday.” This event catapulted the U.S. into the ten-year Great Depression. In 1932 the United States decided it was time for a change and elected Franklin D Roosevelt. Little did they know, but this man would be at the helm of our country for an unprecedented 12 years and through two of its most trying times. FDR made bold strokes, and he wasted little time doing so.

Hyde Park, New York, in the picturesque Hudson River Valley, is the setting for FDR’s childhood and presidential library. FDR received the first presidential library and was the only sitting president to use it while in office. Its construction began in 1939, was finished in 1940, and was supervised by FDR. He even had a working office in the library that he used for his day-to-day duties as president.

The visitor center is the first thing to greet people interested in learning about FDR. Visiting the grounds is free from sunrise to sunset. If you want to see the library, museum, and home of FDR, a ticket will be required. The National Park Service runs the facility, and a ranger will lead you on a tour of the house if you choose to visit it. The museum and library are self-guided, and tickets for those are good for two days. As you would expect, the home is centered more around FDR, the person, and the library is geared towards his presidency. There is a cafe in the visitors center if you should want a snack while at the park.

The Roosevelt Home:

The FDR Presidential Library:

FDR Presidential Library and Museum at a Glance

The Roosevelt Home guided tour takes 60 minutes, and you should pre-book your timed ticket before arrival here. The Presidential Library is self-guided and will take 60-90 minutes. The National Park Service website and the Presidential Library’s website are here for additional information on seasonal hours. You can also take tours of Eleanor Roosevelt’s Val-Kill home and the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, but I strongly recommend you get your tickets ahead of time; there are fewer tours and fill up very quickly. Hyde Park is roughly a two-hour drive from New York City or, if needed, can be reached by train to Poughkeepsie and then taxi to the park. Train websites: Metro-North Railroad and Amtrak.

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