About the Franklin D. Roosevelt Home and Presidential Library
Nestled in the heart of Hyde Park, New York, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Home, known as Springwood, is the lifelong residence of the 32nd President of the United States. Today, this historic site—alongside the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum—stands as a tribute to one of America’s most influential leaders.
Visitors to the 300-acre estate can explore the beautifully preserved home where Roosevelt was born, lived, and is now buried. The grounds include lush gardens, scenic trails, and the nation’s first presidential library, offering a unique glimpse into FDR’s personal and political legacy.
A Visionary’s Legacy: The First Presidential Library Established between 1939 and 1940, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library was personally conceived and overseen by Roosevelt himself. It was the first presidential library in the United States, created to preserve the vast collection of papers, photographs, books, and memorabilia he amassed throughout his life of public service.
The Library houses materials from his time as:
New York State Senator (1910–1913)
Assistant Secretary of the Navy (1913–1919)
Governor of New York (1929–1932)
President of the United States (1933–1945)
In addition to Roosevelt’s own archives, the Library includes the papers and writings of Eleanor Roosevelt, offering insight into her legacy as a humanitarian, diplomat, and First Lady.
A Gift to the Nation Constructed on land donated by FDR and his mother, Sara Delano Roosevelt, and funded through private donations totaling $376,000, the Library was gifted to the federal government on July 4, 1940. Today, it is managed by the National Archives and Records Administration and welcomes thousands of visitors each year for both guided and self-guided tours.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, student, or traveler, a visit to the Roosevelt Home and Library offers a rich, immersive experience in American history.
