Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, Home of, in Hyde Park, New York, is the birthplace, family home, and burial place of Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the United States. Roosevelt held office for more than 12 years, from 1933 to 1945, longer than any other person. He became president at the depth of the Great Depression and led the United States to economic recovery and through most of World War II.
The historic site includes Springwood, the Roosevelt family estate overlooking the Hudson River. Franklin’s father, James Roosevelt, bought the estate in 1867. After James Roosevelt died in 1900, Franklin’s mother, Sara, owned Springwood until she died in 1941. Franklin was born and raised on the estate. After his marriage in 1905, he and his wife, Eleanor, frequently visited Springwood. During Roosevelt’s long presidency, he used Springwood as his “Summer White House.” He entertained many distinguished visitors there, including King George VI and Prime Minister Winston Churchill of the United Kingdom. Eleanor and Franklin are buried in the Rose Garden at Springwood.
Also on the site is the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, which houses the papers of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and items from their lives. The library, which opened in 1941, was the first presidential library in the United States and the only one ever used by a president in office. Roosevelt used it for receptions, radio broadcasts, and other purposes. The library was built with private donations.
Springwood became a national historic site in 1945, after Roosevelt’s death. The National Park Service maintains and operates the home and outbuildings. The National Archives and Records Administration manages the library and museum.
See also Roosevelt, Eleanor ; Roosevelt, Franklin Delano .
