Home Of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site

In 1921, FDR became paralyzed at the age of 39. Before he could return to politics, he first had to figure out how to get around. Inaccessible places create barriers that effectively disable us from full and equal participation in society. FDR used wheelchairs, crutches, canes, leg braces, handrails, automobiles, ramps, and other objects to navigate the social and physical barriers people with disabilities face every day.

The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum is independently operated and maintained by the National Archives and Records Administration, a federal agency.

Roosevelt Farm Lane is part of the historic road network that connected the Roosevelt Home, Val-Kill, Top Cottage, the Home Farm, and FDR’s tree plantations. From the 19th century through 1945, the flat, fertile lands along the Albany Post Road and Violet Avenue were used for growing crops, while the rugged,rocky and wet interior was only suitable for growing trees. FDR planted over 21 acres of trees were planted between 1912 and 1944.

This trail takes you to the highest point on the Hyde Park Trails. When you reach the summit, you will have made the same climb that kings and queens and a host of foreign leaders made during some of the most critical days of the 20th century. Top Cottage, FDR’s humble hilltop getaway hosted pivotal meetings that shaped world history. It also provided guests with a dramatic vantage point from which to view the natural beauty of the Hudson River Valley, FDR’s cherished home.

Everything you need to know about access to FDR's home and how to obtain your tickets. Tour days and times change seasonally, so check here for more information on planning your visit.

The park film runs daily at the Henry Wallace Visitor & Education Center. The 140-seat theater features a high-definition film written and produced by Tom Spain Productions. The twenty minute film, "Rendezvous with History," features interviews with two of the Roosevelt grandchildren, Curtis Roosevelt and Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, as well as historic footage. There is no fee to see the film.

According to Franklin D. Roosevelt's own instructions, he was buried in the family garden. His wishes reflect his connection to the place of his birth and the launching point of his rise to public prominence.

Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt’s ties to the land and the community where they lived helped to shape the work they undertook to better society and the world. Visit the garden to discover the work we are doing to restore this important historic feature of Roosevelt family life on the estate.

While the Roosevelts had a plenty of space for an expansive garden, the small space garden exhibit demonstrates different systems for gardening with whatever space you have available. The designs displayed here address the common challenges faced when gardening and provide sensible solutions for the home grower. With as little space as it takes to set down your groceries, you could be growing fresh veggies.