“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.”
Quote by Theodore Roosevelt
As 2024 is an election year, reflecting on the history of our country and it’s leadership helps to put morality into perspective. Admiration for presidents who have been positive stewards for our country has great importance and it becomes guidance for current candidates to fulfill our highest hopes for American leadership.
It’s the ideal time to visit the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace, a National Historic Site located in the heart of the Flatiron Neighborhood. It is one of the over 400 parks in the National Park System. “Teddie,” as Roosevelt was well known by many, spent the first 13 years of his life in the house.
The charming brownstone building has so much to offer. You’ll want to take time to peruse the downstairs gallery that includes a fascinating timeline of Theodore Roosevelt and his family. There is a 20-minute movie that depicts Roosevelt’s health struggles as a youth and his deep love of the natural world. Learn the impressive history entailing the restoration of the site. You can also schedule with a ranger a 30-45 minute tour of the upstairs rooms of the house. They have been restored to reflect their appearance between 1865 and 1872 with furnishings from the original house and ones that have been provided by Roosevelt family members.
Theodore Roosevelt is considered a larger-than-life hero to millions of Americans and people around the globe. He took public service seriously and regarded it as a great honor. Roosevelt entered the presidency with a wealth of experience that included Assistant Secretary of the Navy and Governor of New York State. He was the Vice President under William McKinley and assumed the presidency in 1901 when McKinley was assassinated. Theodore Roosevelt was elected to the presidency in 1904 and among his contributions to our country was the conservation and preservation of our country’s natural resources and the creation of the Panama Canal. While some of this history may be familiar, the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace is a deeper dive into his background, accomplishments, and personal philosophies.
New Yorkers and many more should take advantage of the historic gem that is free and open to the public. Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace is located at 28 East 20th Street. It is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, excluding some major holidays. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/thrb or call 212.260.1616.
Top photo: Bigstock
