Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site was established by the U.S. Congress to commemorate the life and accomplishments of Eleanor Roosevelt. Once part of the larger Roosevelt family estate in Hyde Park, New York, today the property includes the 181 acres (73 ha), buildings and other historic features that Eleanor Roosevelt called Val-Kill. It is located approximately two miles east of Springwood, the Franklin D. Roosevelt home. It is a few hundred feet east of New York State Route 9G, along which runs the Dutchess County bus route C to Tivoli.For travelers who use our international travel planner, Hyde Park holidays become easier to arrange, with trips to the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site and other attractions mapped out and timetabled.
Eleanor Roosevelt created and shared Val-Kill with her friends Nancy Cook and Marion Dickerman. At Val-Kill, they established Val-Kill Industries to employ local farming families in handcraft traditions. The Roosevelts frequently used Val-Kill's relaxed setting for entertaining family, friends, political associates, and world leaders. Nancy and Marion sold their interest in the property to Eleanor and moved to Connecticut shortly after the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1945. Val-Kill then became Eleanor Roosevelt's primary residence and the place most associated with her. After her death, Val-Kill was converted into rental units and later sold to developers. A public campaign ensued to save Val-Kill and it was declared a National Historic Site in 1977. It is now managed by the National Park Service.
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Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site reviews
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Unfortunately it was not open to the public but you could walk the surrounding grounds. It was beautiful and could only image what the inside looked like. Hope to hear when it opens again so we can.... more
Unfortunately it was not open to the public but you could walk the surrounding grounds. It was beautiful and could only image what the inside looked like. Hope to hear when it opens again so we can.... more »
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We spent most of our time hiking to the Top Cottage (FDRs) 'cabin'. Neither house was open for tours but the hike was good.
We spent most of our time hiking to the Top Cottage (FDRs) 'cabin'. Neither house was open for tours but the hike was good. more »
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Even though we could not get into the main house it was still worthwhile to see. Eleanor was home and didn't even consider cooking anything for us or even offering us a drink on a very hot day. Maybe the next time.
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It's nice there. Plus, the pool where FDR would swim in is still there; the very same one that Eleanor had Alester Crowley do Black Magic on so as to cure Frank's Polio. It worked, too, but they couldn't let anyone know it did. So, he had to pretend he couldn't walk when he was in public until he retired and could move away and change his name.
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