Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site

Address:4097 Albany Post Road
Hyde Park, New York
Tel: (845) 229-9115

Visit the only National Historic Site dedicated to a first lady! The Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site is the rustic cabin where Eleanor Roosevelt lived and worked and the only place she called home. Affectionately called Val-Kill, Eleanor Roosevelt's cottage was originally a furniture factory called Val-Kill Industries, which Eleanor and several other women established to teach trades to rural workers and produce Colonial revival furniture and crafts during the Depression. In 1936, Eleanor Roosevelt converted the factory into a retreat home and it became her permanent residence after the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1945. The Roosevelts enjoyed picnics and swimming parties at Val-Kill and entertained various world leaders there as well.

Today, the Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill preserves her home as a living memorial, offering programs such as the Girls Leadership Workshop, held every summer. Visitors may take their time touring Val-Kill Cottage and strolling through the well kept gardens and grounds. Definitely worth viewing is the brand new introductory film "Close to Home", which talks about Eleanor Roosevelt and her life at Val-Kill Cottage. Plan to spend a whole day at the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site. Stay another day and enjoy the restaurants, historic sites and cultural activities offered in the area.

Val-Kill Cottage at the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site is on Route 9G in Hyde Park, NY, just 90 miles north of New York City and 70 miles south of Albany. From the New York State Thruway (I-87) take exit 18 (New Paltz) to 299 East to 9W South. Follow signs to the FDR Bridge, cross the bridge and follow signs to Route 9 North. Make a right on St. Andrews Rd. (after the Culinary Institute of America) and then a left onto 9G North. Enjoy being a guest at Eleanor Roosevelt's beloved home!