First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt's Val-Kill
NY Hudson Valley Home near FDR Library is National Historic Site
Sep 7, 2009
Among the most famous first ladies in American history, Eleanor Roosevelt became a power in her own right during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s years as president, and afterward, when she became a U.S. delegate to at the United Nations.
Seniors and others who seek inspiration from her life can visit Val-Kill, her New York home that was separate from that of her husband and is maintained as an official historic site by the National Park Service. It was originally a retreat for Eleanor while she was first lady. After FDR died, she lived at Val-Kill until her death in 1962. It is the only official site honoring any first lady.
Site Displays Famous Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes
Val-Kill, named for a nearby stream, includes exhibits displaying her quotes, family photos and mementos. FDR built the first cottage here in 1924 so Eleanor and her friends could be alone. A second building became the site of an experimental business -- a furniture workshop for local farmers who needed to learn new skills. The workshop lasted 10 years.
Churchill, JFK Visited Hyde Park Home
The larger building then was converted into apartments for Eleanor and her secretary Malvina “Tommy” Thompson. It became a retreat for the presidential family and visitors such as Winston Churchill.
After FDR’s death in 1945, Eleanor turned the family’s big Hyde Park estate over to the U.S. government, but kept Val-Kill for herself. It was here that she met with such world visitors as Nehru of India and politicians such as John F. Kennedy, who sought her endorsement when he ran for president.
Film Biography of Eleanor Roosevelt’s Plays at Val-Kill
Today, a biographical film in what was the playhouse introduces Eleanor Roosevelt’s life to visitors. Guides lead tours of the property, which include a pool and tennis court. The site sells her books, including one full of quotes for which she is famous, such as “Life was meant to be lived, and curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life.”
The Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site is two miles away from the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Home and Library in Hyde Park, a town near the Hudson River two hours from New York City. Tourists can take in both sites without a car on the “Roosevelt Ride,” a bus tour for $22 that leaves from the Metro North commuter rail station in Poughkeepsie daily at approximately 10:35 a.m.
If you enjoy visiting presidential sites, check out this unusual road trip to the homes of 2 low-rated presidents, Buchanan and Harding.
Summary: Visitors find inspiration from Eleanor Roosevelt at the first lady’s home, a national historic site.
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