Eleanor Roosevelt NHS

Once part of the larger Roosevelt family estate in Hyde Park, New York, today the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site includes the 181 acres, buildings and other historic features that Eleanor Roosevelt called Val-Kill. It is located approximately two miles east of Springwood, the Franklin D. Roosevelt home. Eleanor Roosevelt first came to the site in 1926 with friends Marion Dickerman and Nancy Cook. They envisioned a retreat for active women like themselves, where they could work on political causes and host rallies and events. The group commissioned noted architect Mary Eleanor King to design a stone cottage, which was completed in 1927. Eleanor Roosevelt moved into the cottage in 1928 after her husband's election to the Presidency. In all, four cottages were built on the property; two remained standing as of 2019. Visitors can tour the stone cottage, visit the museum, and explore the grounds.