The Making of a Legend
Established: July 25, 1962
Location: 28 East 20th Street, New York 20003
Overview: Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, lived at this site from his birth on October 27, 1858 until he was 14 years old. The reconstructed house contains five period rooms, two museum galleries and a bookstore. Teedie, as young Roosevelt was nicknamed, was a sickly but bright boy, from a wealthy family. To improve his health, Teedie began an exercise program at the house’s outdoor gymnasium that started a lifelong passion for the “strenuous life.”After graduating from Harvard, Roosevelt pursued his boyhood dreams, as a rancher, naturalist, explorer, author and Colonel of the Rough Riders. His political service included reforming the U.S. Civil Service Commission and New York City Police Department, and terms as Governor of New York and Vice President of the U.S. Theodore Roosevelt became president when William McKinley was assassinated in September 1901. As President, Roosevelt pushed progressive reforms, such as conservation of public lands and trust busting, and negotiated an end to the war between Russia and Japan, for which he won a Nobel Peace Prize.
Exhibits/Tours: There are guided tours available of the house on a first-come, first-served basis. Two galleries offer extensive collections illustrating his military and political careers, family life, hunting and exploring trips, taxidermy specimens, library, etc
Events: Special lectures by authors with recently published materials on Theodore Roosevelt are offered intermittently as are interpretive programs relevant to TR's early life or that time period.
Visitor Information: (212) 260-1616
Website: www.nps.gov/thrb
