New York City with children: Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace
by KFFVMom
(kid-friendly-family-vacations.com)
Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace
‘I speak softly, but I carry a big stick.’ These may have been the playful rendition of a mischievous animated bunny, but these words are actually culled from the United States’ 26th President, Theodore ‘Teddy’ Roosevelt. Sports enthusiast, wide reader, eloquent writer and speaker, decorated military leader and venerable statesman—these are some of the shining qualities of Theodore Roosevelt that are etched in the memory of every American even today.
The importance of President Roosevelt in -- and his contribution to -- the Nation’s rich history and cultural fabric is immortalized on Mount Rushmore and commemorated during national celebrations, in postage stamps, eponymous U.S. Navy Ships, hotels in California and New York, and schools and streets all over the country. His legacy as well lives on in National Historic Landmarks and Sites—particular of which is the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace.
The Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace is a ‘must-see’ among notable tourist attractions in the city of New York. Preserved by the Theodore Roosevelt Association (TRA), while managed and run by the National Park Service under the auspices of the U.S, Department of Interior, the stately birth home of New York’s most famous and well-loved Midtown Manhattanite is situated at 28 East 20th Street, Manhattan. The Victorian-inspired four-story abode is where Theodore ‘Thee’ Roosevelt Sr. and his wife Martha ‘Mittie’ Bulloch gave birth to and raised their second of a brood of four children.
The Roosevelt clan was an affluent family of Dutch origin and Theodore Sr., a successful plate-glass merchant, philanthropist and nature enthusiast, is one of the founders of Manhattan’s American Museum of Natural history—in fact, he and the museum’s co-founders signed the museum charter right at their very home. Tourists are given the unique privilege of admiring opulent furniture and home décor that was defined by late 18th and early 20th century interior design at five fully-restored period rooms around the quaint townhouse.
While two other galleries are given a facelift, visitors of the Roosevelt home have an insider’s view of what life was like for Teddy Jr. and his family in the early industrial years of America. Later to become the Nation’s youngest president and New York’s pride, young Theodore Roosevelt battled asthma yet devoted his life early on to the pursuit of sports and fitness activities like boxing and singlestick, and studies in natural history, naval military history, zoology and entomology—all of which are reflected in memorabilia, genuine artifacts bequeathed by the Roosevelt family, and a wide array of political cartoons portraying one of America’s most revered presidents.
On April 16, 20011 at 2.pm, world-famous Theodore Roosevelt impersonator James Foote will give a guided tour on ‘The Life and Times of Theodore Roosevelt’ free admission. Those interested in learning about the growing up years of T.R. and his rise as a distinguished U.S. politician can take advantage of this one-hour tour (or the open house tour after the scheduled program) by making reservations in advance since seating and slots are limited. On regular days the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace is open to guests from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday except on special holidays. There is no entrance fee required, and park-ranger 30-minute tours are provided at the period rooms on the hour (except at noon) starting at 10 a.m. with 4 p.m. as the last scheduled tour for the day. Reservations are necessary for groups of 10 or more individuals.
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