FDR’s Home, Library, and Museum

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was born and grew up in Springwood (4079 Albany Post Rd./Rte. 9, 845/229-9115 or 800/FDR-VISIT, www.nps.gov/hofr [1], 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily, adults $14, children under 17 free), a low-lying Georgian-style mansion along the Hudson. Later, he and his wife Eleanor raised their five children here, while Franklin rose through the political ranks. In 1928, he was elected governor of New York; in 1932, president of the United States.

Now a National Historic Site, FDR’s home has been restored to look much like it did during his presidential days, and has a very intimate feel. In the living room are the leash and blanket of his dog Fala; in the “snuggery” are furnishings once belonging to his domineering mother, Sara Delano Roosevelt; in his office are the books and magazines he was reading during his last visit here in March 1945. At the eastern end of the estate is Top Cottage (open Thurs.–Mon.), where Roosevelt entertained his closest friends.

Of at least equal interest is the next-door Franklin D. Roosevelt Library and Museum (800/FDR-VISIT), which houses a superb series of exhibits on the family and their times. Here you’ll find everything from FDR’s christening dress and early political speeches to Eleanor’s diary entries describing the enormous pain she felt upon learning of her husband’s extramarital affairs.

Tickets to the FDR sites often sell out on fall weekends; to make a reservation, call 800/967-2283.