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NPTC Meetup across the US➢
One of our club members came up with a fantastic idea: to sponsor meetups in all seven NPS regions on the same day in June. In 2024, I hosted the North Atlantic Region’s event at the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site. Some attendees traveled from as far away as Texas, and one couple from Arkansas celebrated their 300th park visit during the meetup.
Our group of 14 members started the day with a tour of the mansion. We then attended a Revolutionary War battle reenactment that happened to be taking place on the grounds. Afterward, we enjoyed lunch together at a nearby diner. Later in the afternoon, I visited the Vanderbilt Mansion and was lucky to join one of their guided tours.
Home of FDR➢
Our group met up at the visitor center when it opened. We all got tickets for the first tour of Springwood. While we waited for the tour time, we visited the garden at Bellefield. Then, before heading over to the mansion, we took a group photo with the statues of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt.
Up at Springwood, we waited for our tour guide in the historic stables. Constructed in 1886 by James Roosevelt, Franklin’s father, the stables reflect the family’s interest in horse breeding and equestrian activities.
Springwood was originally a mid-sized farmhouse that FDR’s father, James Roosevelt, bought in 1867. Franklin was born there in 1882. Over time, especially after FDR inherited it, the house was significantly enlarged and remodeled into a much bigger and more stately mansion.
Although he traveled a lot and lived in Washington, D.C. during his presidency, FDR always considered Springwood his true home. It’s where he relaxed, ran his political operations behind the scenes, and spent time with family. It was also important to him symbolically—as a kind of anchor through all the ups and downs of his life, including his struggle with polio.
He hosted many important guests there, from Winston Churchill to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth during their famous 1939 visit. He also used Springwood as a retreat and a place for political strategy sessions.
In 1943, Roosevelt donated the property to the USA with the stipulation that his family would be allowed to live there for the rest of their lives. He died two years later and the family relinquished their rights, transferring ownership to the National Park Service.
FDR, Eleanor Roosevelt and the Scottish terrier, Fala are all buried in Sara Roosevelt’s Rose Garden.
Hyde Park 2024➢
Location: 4097 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park, New York
Designation: National Historic Site
Date designated/established: January 15, 1944
Date of my visit: June 8, 2024
Dear Theresa,
The estate is amazing in the Spring when all the gardens are in bloom. It is really impressive during the holidays when the whole house is decorated for Christmas. Unlike the Vanderbilt mansion next door and the Mills Mansion up Route 9, Springwood always feels like someone’s home. Great pictures!
Thanks!
FDR, one of my heroes.
🙂
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