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Federal Hall National Memorial
Address: 26 Wall Street
New York, NY 10005
Phone: 212-825-6888 or 212-264-9466
Fax: 212-825-6874
Overview. The original Federal Hall was the site of the first libel suit, which set the stage for freedom of the press in the United States. The year was 1735 and newspaper publisher John Peter Zenger was on trial for "seditious libel" after criticizing the royal governor in print. When his accusations proved to be true, Zenger was found innocent of the libel charge. Federal Hall has also seen other major historical events within its walls. In March of 1789, the fledgling United States government began its operations there; George Washington was inaugurated there two months later; and the Bill of Rights was written in its chambers by James Madison. The original structure was knocked down in 1812 after being vacated by local and national government. The current Greek Revival-style building was completed in 1842 and operated as a national repository until 1920. In 1955, it was designated as a national memorial. What to see and do. The memorial is open weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM. You can view short films on request about George Washington and his inauguration and see interpretive exhibits about constitutional government and the original building. For larger groups, ranger-guided tours are available. Call the park service for times and dates. The monument is located at Wall and Broad streets in lower Manhattan. It is accessible by subway from the Wall Street Station.
Fire Island National Seashore
Address: 120 Laurel St
Patchogue, NY 11772
Phone: 516-289-4810
Fax: 516-289-4898
Overview. Fire Island stretches for 32 miles between the southern shore of Long Island and the Atlantic Ocean. Fierce winter "nor'easters" threaten to wash away the island every year, but each summer the waves replenish it. Marshes, shifting sand dunes, and occasional hardwood stands harbor varied species of wildlife, from deer to mollusks to the endangered piping plover.People coexist peacefully with animal life, in part because there are no roads on the island. Boardwalks connect 17 small, private communities with each other and the separate sections of the national seashore. This 20,000-acre island has long served as an escape from the bustle of car-congested New York City. Swimming and boating are favorite water activities, while boardwalks invite leisurely strolls. In 1964, Congress reserved 6,200 of these acres as a national seashore in order to preserve both wildlife habitat, rare on the East Coast, and a car-free environment for citizens. What to see and do. Except for bridges at either end of the island, which lead to state parks, the only other way over is by private boat or ferry. Both Watch Hill and Sailors Haven offer boatslips for rent. On the western end of the National Seashore, the first Fire Island Lighthouse was built in 1826; the present 166-foot tower was completed in 1858. At the Fire Island Lighthouse visitor center, ranger programs and exhibits will introduce you to the lighthouse's history and how the keepers lived before automation. After climbing 192 steps to the top for a splendid island view, walk the self-guided nature trail at the base for a close-up view. Another daytrip could take you to the Sunken Forest at Sailors Haven. A deep hollow in the dunes shelters a dense hardwood miniforest of sassafras and holly trees, some of them 200 years old. Because the trees can't grow above the dune tops due to salty winds, they remain short, with forest growth concentrated near the ground. Take a guided tour along the 1.5-mile boardwalk, or explore the inner reaches of the Sunken Forest yourself, keeping your eyes peeled for deer or fox. Visitors are advised to wear shoes when walking on any boardwalks and to stay on the walks. Dunes are particularly vulnerable, and several pairs of feet can undo years of natural work. You'll also be safe from the prevalent poison ivy. Eight miles east of Sailors Haven, the Watch Hill Nature Trail provides a good view of a salt marsh and other barrier island ecosystems. Between the Watch Hill Visitor Center, where there's a campground, and the Fire Island Wilderness Visitor Center lie seven miles of wilderness area. At Fire Island Wilderness Visitor Center, be sure to walk the short nature loop. During the spring and fall migration seasons, bird-watching becomes the wilderness area's main attraction. Situated on the Atlantic Flyway, Fire Island's marshes and dunes attract songbirds, shorebirds, and raptors. Across the bridge on Long Island, the National Seashore includes the William Floyd estate. The estate includes a large home and several outbuildings which the Floyd family used for over 250 years. Fire Island is primarily a summer destination. Services are limited during the winter, and the Sailors Haven and Watch Hill visitor centers are both closed. Camping facilities are limited, but cottages and rooms are available for rent in the several small communities. All camping is on a first-come, first-served basis. Pets: Leashed pets are permitted.
Fort Stanwix National Monument
Address: 112 E Park Street
Rome, NY 13440
Phone: 315-336-2090 or 315-336-2092
Fax: 315-339-3966
Overview. Fort Stanwix was named for British Brigadier General John Stanwix, who oversaw its construction in 1758. The fort was originally a British installation built to protect a portage on the Oneida River against the French and their Indian allies. While under British control Fort Stanwix never saw military action, but it was the site, in 1768, of the signing of the Boundary Line Treaty between the British and the Iroquois. For a few years the fort lay abandoned, but with the British invasion of New York in 1777 the fort was occupied and armed by the Americans. For 21 days in August of 1777 the fort was under siege by the British and a band of their Indian allies. Greatly outnumbered, the patriots, under the command of Benedict Arnold (before his defection), tricked the Indians into believing a huge number of reinforcements was on its way. The Indians suspected Arnold's messenger had supernatural powers, and were frightened away, leaving a small core of British who eventually retreated to Canada. Today, the restored fort is surrounded by the city of Rome, NY. What to see and do. The restoration of Fort Stanwix is one of the most complete in the nation. Four-sided and built of earth and wood, its palisades, officers' quarters, barracks, and parade ground look much as they would have over two hundred years ago. The visitor center has a museum of Revolutionary War history, and offers guided tours of the fort. From May through September, rangers dressed in the uniforms of the Continental Army present a living history program. You can see them drill several times a day on the parade ground and, if you're there at just the right time, you may get to see them fire the artillery. The fort is open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily from April 1 to December 31. It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas, and from January 1 to March 31. Admission to the park is free.
Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site
Address: 519 Albany Post Rd
Hyde Park, NY 12538
Phone: 914-229-9115
Fax: 914-229-0739
Overview. FDR grew up in this architecturally intriguing home overlooking the Hudson Valley. One of the 20th century's dominant international political figures, Roosevelt also made his mark in the United States when he shepherded the New Deal through congress during his first 100 days as president in 1933. Also part of the site, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library houses the papers from his presidential years.What to see and do. Driving north out of New York City, you'll find the site about five miles north of Poughkeepsie. There is a nominal fee to see the home and library if you're over 16. Otherwise, walking about the grounds is free. Inside the home, the tour takes you past Roosevelt family heirlooms such as an 18th-century grandfather clock and a Dresden-made porcelain chandelier. In the office nicknamed the "Summer White House," FDR conducted meetings with dignitaries such as British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. In the 40,000-volume functioning research library, look at FDR's collection of model boats, maps, and naval prints. You can also see the December 8, 1941, declaration of war against Japan. Don't miss the Eleanor Roosevelt Wing, where you'll find exhibits recording her work as a world-renowned humanitarian. A bookstore on the site offers even more information about the Roosevelts. When you walk through the Roosevelt Rose Garden, you'll come across Franklin and Eleanor's gravestone. FDR insisted it be plain, with no mention made of his 12-year presidency (the longest in U.S. history). Visiting the ice house, carriage house, and stables will complete your picture of how the Roosevelt family lived in the first half of the 20th century. If you'd like to learn more about Eleanor Roosevelt, a commanding figure in her own right, visit the nearby Val-Kill cottage, located two miles east, where she lived after FDR's death. Please call park headquarters at 914-229-9115 for information about operating hours. The site is closed Thanksgiving, December 25, and January 1.
Gateway National Recreation Area
Bldg 69 Floyd Bennett Field
Brooklyn, NY 11234
Phone: 718-338-3687 or 718-338-3575
Overview. Every vessel that ever approached New York Harbor from the Atlantic has had to make its way between the two sand spits that guard the New York-New Jersey estuary. Immigrants have been greeted by the sight of Sandy Hook and Rockaway Peninsula since the first Dutch settlers made their way to Manhattan Island. Within these two arms of land lie Jamaica Bay and Staten Island. The area has a rich natural and human history, from the Algonquin who made their homes along these shores to the forts, lighthouses, and airfields of more modern design; but the reason the National Park Service set these lands aside was to preserve and protect the natural beauty of the estuary, creating a place for humans and nature, for city and country, to coexist. While the three New York units of the park are accessible via subway, the area is rich in wildlife, clean beaches, and loads of recreational opportunities. What to see and do. The park is comprised of three units: Jamaica Bay, Staten Island, and Sandy Hook. Of these, Sandy Hook is the only unit in New Jersey. All three units are open year-round, with services such as fast-food concessions available from Memorial Day through the end of September. Gateway's three swimming beaches are guarded from mid-June through the Labor Day weekend. All units provide swimming, wildlife programs, hiking trails, surf fishing (no license required but state limits and regulations must be observed), and areas of historic significance. Breezy Point is at the tip of the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens. Jacob Riis Park, located on the Atlantic, has one of the metropolitan area's best ocean beaches. Theatrical performances and crafts festivals are held on the mall in the park during spring and autumn. History buffs will want to visit Fort Tilden, originally established during the War of 1812, and sports enthusiasts have the opportunity to play baseball, football, handball, and a number of related games. A concessionaire operates a pitch-and-putt golf course at Jacob Riis Park. For more information, call the Ryan Visitor Center at 718-338-3687 or the Fort Tilden ranger station at 718-318-4300. Brooklyn's Jamaica Bay is home to the park's wildlife refuge with its more than 300 bird species either seasonally or permanently in residence. Fishing off Carnarsie Pier or the North Channel Bridge will usually yield a rewarding catch, but if you want to get out onto the open water, there's a marina at Dead Horse Bay. Horseback riding is available at Bergen Beach and aviation enthusiasts won't want to miss Floyd Bennett Field, New York City's first, albeit unsuccessful, commercial airport. Concessionaires offer miniature golf, a driving range, tennis courts, and a batting cage across Flatbush Avenue from Floyd Bennett Field. Great Kills Park, part of Gateway's Staten Island Unit, is situated on the site of an Algonquin village. Swimming, fishing, and walking trails are the primary pastimes here, but a series of educational nature programs is also a highlight. Weekend visitors can participate in a number of ranger-led walks that focus on the geology, bird life, or natural history of the area. Especially popular are the Monarch butterfly walks and the evening star watches. Miller Field, another part of the Staten Island Unit, was built after World War I as a base for seaplanes that directed coastal artillery fire. Today it is a site for picnics and field sports. Fort Wadsworth was recently added to the Staten Island unit. Standing at the mouth of New York Harbor, in the shadow of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, this fort is a former military post that defended New York Harbor for more than two centuries. Several gun batteries narrate the story of coastal defense. For more information, call the Staten Island Unit headquarters at 718-354-4634. Sandy Hook sports the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the U.S. Opened in 1764 to warn sailors of the treacherous passage through the Gateway, Sandy Hook Lighthouse was fully automated in 1965 and still guides ships into New York Harbor. It stands amid the remains of Fort Hancock, last of a series of forts to guard this strategic area. Surf fishing and swimming are popular activities, but you might also like to check out the holly forest, the best on the eastern seaboard. Osprey nest here in spring and summer. For more information about Sandy Hook, call 732-872-5970. Leashed pets are permitted at Gateway.
General Grant National Memorial
Address: 122nd Street and Riverside Drive
New York, NY 10027
Phone: 212-666-1640
Fax: 212-932-9631
Overview. Ulysses S. Grant, victorious general of the Civil War and 18th president of the United States, is buried with his wife, Julia Dent, in this mausoleum overlooking the Hudson River. A military genius, Grant was never a very good businessman and despite the success of his memoirs, written in an attempt to pay off debts, he died bankrupt in 1885. Over 90,000 people donated in excess of $600,000 dollars to erect this breathtaking monument with its 150-foot-high dome. It took architect John Duncan and hundreds of workers six years to fashion 8,000 tons of granite into Grant's final resting place. What to see and do. The building itself is a stunning sight. Notice the allegorical reliefs recounting Grant's life that are carved into the walls. Bronze busts of Grant's favorite generals stand in the crypt, along with the twin, 8.5-ton sarcophagi of red granite. There are guided tours, historical exhibits and interpretive talks at the site, as well as ongoing civil war programs throughout the year. The memorial is open from 9 AM to 5 PM every day; it is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Each year, on April 27, a wreath is laid at the tomb in honor of Grant's birthday. Contact the memorial for a schedule of other special programs.
Hamilton Grange National Memorial
Address: 287 Convent Ave
New York, NY 10013
Phone: 212-283-5154 or 212-666-1640
Overview. This estate belonged to Alexander Hamilton during the early 19th century and is named after his family estate in Scotland. The home has been restored to its original appearance, complete with period furnishings. It was originally designed by John McComb, who is known for his work on the New York City Hall. Hamilton was the illegitimate son of a Scottish lord and began his political career at what is now Columbia University in New York. He served under General Washington during the Revolutionary War, and he helped author the Constitution and the Federalist Papers. He became secretary of treasury under the Washington administration. Hamilton died in a duel with long-time enemy Aaron Burr in Weehawken, NJ, in 1804. What to see and do. The house features some of the original furnishings, including one of Mrs. Hamilton's dresses and a piano. An octagonally shaped dining room and upstairs parlor are the main attractions. Special events include a commemoration of Hamilton's birthday each year on January 11. Sometimes politicians give speeches at this event. In February, the site celebrates Black History Month with educational and cultural activities. Call for details. Open Friday through Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Public transportation to the memorial is recommended due to limited parking. Take the A, B, C, or D subway to West 145th Street, of the 8th Avenue IND express subway to West 145th.
Martin Van Buren National Historic Site
Rte 9H PO Box 545
Kinderhook, NY 12106
Phone: 518-758-9689
Fax: 518-758-6986
Overview. In the seventeenth century, the Dutch explored the Hudson River Valley, establishing towns such as Kinderhook along the way. Martin Van Buren was born here in 1782. After serving as the Governor of New York, Secretary of State, Vice President and the 8th President of the United States, he returned to his hometown, where he purchased the estate of local Judge Peter Van Ness; Van Buren named his new home Lindenwald after the many linden trees growing on the property. Local history insists that Washington Irving, another man of Van Buren's generation, wrote "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" while staying at Lindenwald. Today the house and grounds serve as a memorial not only to Van Buren but also to a genteel mode of northeastern life before the Civil War.What to see and do. Your trip to this site should last approximately two hours. At the kiosk near Route 9H, sign up for a ranger-guided tour of the mansion, which should last about 45 minutes. In the 36 rooms, you'll see original furnishings, objects, and French wallpaper portraying a fox hunt. After your house tour, watch the 15-minute audiovisual program on Van Buren's life or select from one of the other regularly offered tours of the grounds. You can also browse through the small exhibits focusing on Van Buren's life and political career. Special events throughout the visitor season include campfire talks, musical performances, a historic military encampment, hikes, bicycle tours and Van Buren's birthday celebration. Call the park for times and dates. You can tour the house Thursday through Monday from 9 AM until 4 PM mid-May through October 31; thereafter, weekends only until December 5. The rest of the year the mansion is closed, but the 22 acres of grounds remain open. You may also visit the Martin Van Buren Natural Area across Route 9H from the mansion; it contains transitional and climax forests, and has 3.5 miles of trails, picnic tables and a picnic pavilion. When you walk the grounds and look back at the house, you'll notice its mix of architectural styles. Originally exhibiting a Federal design, Van Buren's son added an Italianate brick tower and a Victorian Gothic central gable, to name a few modifications. The result is eclectic. Groups wishing to tour the site should make reservations in advance. The site is handicapped-accessible. Historic Kinderhook offers many other interesting places, such as the Ichabod Crane Schoolhouse. Ask at the gatehouse for more details. Fees: A nominal fee is charged for those aged 17 and over.
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
Address: 20 Sagamore Hill Rd
Oyster Bay, NY 11771-1807
Phone: 516-922-4447 or 516-922-4788
Fax: 516-922-4792
Overview. In 1885, on a Long Island peninsula looking north over Long Island Sound to the Connecticut coast, Theodore Roosevelt built the house that would be his home until his death in 1919. One of the 20th century's larger-than-life political figures, the 26th President won a Nobel Peace Prize, made a reputation as a trust-buster, and started a third political party. The site includes a pet cemetery and the Old Orchard Museum as well as the Roosevelt home furnished as it was during his lifetime.What to see and do. Admission to the "Summer White House" is by guided tour only from 9:30 AM to 5 PM daily except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. (Please note: the Roosevelt home is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays during the winter.) Tickets for tours can be purchased on a first-come, first-served basis at the visitor center. Tours often sell out on weekends and in the summer, so come early. Exhibited inside the 23-room, shingle-style house are many objects and furnishings which belonged to the Roosevelt family, among them a Herter Brothers cabinet. After you take in this vast array of items, go through the Theodore Roosevelt Museum at Old Orchard, once the home of Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., the distinguished son who received the Congressional Medal of Honor for leading the World War II D-Day assault on Omaha Beach. He was also governor of Puerto Rico and the Philipines. A trip around the grounds, taking note of the pet cemetery, will finish off your afternoon. Plan to spend at least two hours at Sagamore Hill. Call 516-922-4788 for details.
Saint Paul's Church National Historic Site
Address: 897 South Columbus Ave
Mount Vernon, NY 10550
Phone: 914-667-4116
Fax: 914-667-3024
Overview. This church was founded in 1665 when ten families settled in an area that came to be known as Eastchester. Construction on the church began in 1763 and continued until 1805. In 1733 the village green, which lay across from the present church structure, was the site of one of the many controversies that set the tone for the Revolutionary War 40 years later. It was in that year that elections were held for the county assemblyman. One of the candidates was a supporter of the colonial governor, William Cosby; the other candidate was an opponent of Cosby. The British officials who organized the election made it necessary to swear a sacred oath before voting. They did this because they knew that the Quakers who made up a good part of the anticolonial constituency would never swear due to their religious convictions. The Quakers later took the case to court, fighting for the right to vote without pledging an oath, and won their case--an early victory in America's fight for freedom of religion. During the Revolutionary War, British and Hessian troops used the half-completed church as a hospital, and many of the soldiers who died there were buried in the cemetery behind the church. The original structure was destroyed sometime in the early to mid-1700s, and a Georgian Revival structure was built in its place between 1763 and 1787. The church is composed of brick, timber, and fieldstone. Henry Erben constructed the church organ in 1830, and it is considered to be one of the oldest working organs in the U.S. Saint Paul's bell is the "sister" of the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, and was cast by Lester and Pack in the London-based Whitechapel Foundry. What to see and do. The church houses a museum, where you can view exhibits about old Eastchester, the Revolutionary War, and the church itself. You can stop by the village green or tour the historic cemetery. You can also take a self-guided tour of the church and museum. The site is open Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM; call ahead for an appointment. Cemetery tours are given on the last Sunday of each month between April and October at 2 PM. If you're planning to visit with a group of five or more, call in advance for these Sunday tours. Take Rte 95 north to the Conner Street Exit. Follow Rte 22 to Saint Paul's.
Saratoga National Historical Park
Address: 648 Rte 32
Stillwater, NY 12170
Phone: 518-664-9821 or 518-664-9822
Fax: 518-664-3349
Overview. The Battles of Saratoga, fought in the autumn of 1777, proved to be a turning point for the American forces in the Revolutionary War. British forces invaded from Canada, intent on taking control of major northern waterways. After initial success at Lake Champlain and in the Hudson Valley, British troops, under the command of General John Burgoyne, found their progress impeded by difficult terrain. With the supporting troops of British General Barry St. Leger stuck in the Mohawk Valley and unable to provide aid, Burgoyne's men had no choice but to face the Americans, under the command of General Horatio Gates, alone. Battles on both September 19 and October 7 resulted in the Americans repelling the British invasion, and Burgoyne was forced to surrender on October 17, 1777. In addition to boosting American morale and reinforcing the drive for independence, this pivotal victory was instrumental in persuading the French to ally themselves with the American cause. What to see and do. Begin your visit at the Battlefield Visitor Center where exhibits and a short film will give you an overview of the events that took place here. Purchase passes for the nine-mile, self-guided auto tour, which features ten interpretive wayside exhibits. The restored and refurbished one-room Neilson farmhouse, the only remaining building on site dating from the time of the battles, is usually staffed by a ranger and volunteers. During 1777, this house served as headquarters for American officers. Other park attractions include the Schuyler House and the Saratoga Battle Monument, which commemorates the British surrender nine miles north of the battlefield. The Visitor Center is open from 9 AM to 5 PM every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. The grounds and hiking trails are open year-round. Special activities include living history presentations offered during the summer season. The park is located 30 miles north of Albany on US 4.
Statue of Liberty Natl Monument and Ellis Island
Liberty Island
New York, NY 10004
Phone: 212-363-3200
Fax: 212-363-6304
Overview. One of New York's most recognizable landmarks, the Statue of Liberty has symbolized America's welcome, in Emma Lazarus's words, to "huddled masses yearning to breathe free" for over one hundred years. Auguste Bartholdi sculpted this 152-foot copper statue for the French government, which presented it to the United States on July 4, 1886, in honor of the French/American alliance during the Revolutionary War. Ellis Island, the major processing station for immigrants between 1892 and 1954, stands close by Liberty Island at the head of New York City's Upper Harbor. Together they make up this site.What to see and do. A complete tour of both islands can easily occupy your day. From either Liberty State Park in New Jersey or Battery Park in Manhattan, board a Circle Line ferry, which cruises in a loop to both islands. Call 212-269-5755 for schedules and fees. Your first stop is Liberty Island. Notice Fort Wood's star-shaped walls, in which the Statue now stands. In the museum located within the pedestal, an exhibit provides extensive information on the Statue's history, construction, and restoration. But your destination is the Statue itself, which has stairs and an elevator up to the observation deck only. Beyond this, you must climb 354 steps up the winding staircase to reach the Statue's crown. The torch is closed to visitors. Because this climb is the equivalent of 22 stories and very strenuous, persons with physical difficulties should not attempt it. From either point, however, your view of Manhattan and the harbor is splendid. The ferry then brings you to the 27.5-acre Ellis Island, once the primary entry point for newcomers to the East Coast and now the site of a three-story museum. Inside, you'll discover a vast treasure of immigration history, including two theaters and wall-sized graphic displays. Be sure to tour the rooms in which over 12 million immigrants took literacy tests and underwent physical exams. Outside, walk around the powerful American Immigrant Wall of Honor. The names of over 500,000 individuals and families are engraved here courtesy of donations to the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation. Family names are still being added. The Statue and Ellis Island are open from 9:30 AM to 5 PM, both with extended summer hours, and both closed on Christmas. School groups can write in advance to receive pre-visit materials. Large groups should make reservations with the Circle Line Ferry.
Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace Natl Historic Site
Address: 28 East 20th Street
New York, NY 10003
Phone: 212-260-1616 or 212-260-0536
Fax: 212-677-3587
Overview. Theodore Roosevelt was born in this reconstructed four-story brownstone in Manhattan and lived here until the age of 14. Roosevelt began life as a sickly child, but he eventually became healthy and strong and developed a love for the outdoors. He is well known for his conservation efforts; the national park system was developed during his administration. Roosevelt spent his youth in the Dakota territory as a rancher and cowboy. Before taking office as president, he was a colonel in the Spanish American War and served as New York State governor. He was sworn in in 1901 after William McKinley was assassinated. Roosevelt was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906. After finishing his second term as president, Roosevelt went on safari in Africa and traveled through South America. He died at his home on Long Island in 1919. Three years before, his birthplace home had been razed. Today, with the assistance of Roosevelt family members, the house has been restored to look as it did during the 1850s, and contains 40 percent of the original furnishings. What to see and do. The site is open Wednesday to Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM, and closed on Federal holidays. Five period rooms and two galleries are open to the public, including the library, master bedroom, parlor, and nursery. Call ahead to schedule a guided tour, for groups over ten people, on the hour until 4 PM. An on-site museum offers a series of short films about Roosevelt's life. You can also attend concerts held every Saturday from September to June, or plays and lectures that are held periodically. Admission to the concerts is included in the $2.00 admission to the house tour. The historic site is located in downtown Manhattan near the 23rd or 14th Street stops of the #6 or N or R subways. The park service recommends public transportation; parking in this area of town is limited.
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Natl Historic Site
Address: 641 Delaware Ave
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716-884-0095
Fax: 716-884-0330
Overview. On September 14, 1901, Theodore Roosevelt was sworn in as the 26th President of the United States in the library of the home of Ansley and Mary Wilcox, hours after the death of President William McKinley. McKinley had been struck down by an assassin's bullet while visiting the Pan-American Exposition on September 6 and died eight days later. Already a popular public figure after leading the Rough Riders up San Juan Hill during the Spanish-American War of 1898, Roosevelt became a legendary president. His 1901-09 administration has been called the first modern presidency due to Roosevelt's progressive policies towards labor, wilderness conservation, and trust-busting. This Greek Revival home preserves the site of his inauguration.What to see and do. A ten-minute video presentation offers an overview of Theodore Roosevelt and the events surrounding his inauguration, the history of the house, and efforts to save it from demolition in the 1960s. Guides conduct tours of the four period rooms with special emphasis on the library where the inauguration took place. Period gardens surrounding the home are in bloom from May through October. The site is located in one of the largest historic preservation districts in the country. Self-guided architectural walking tours of the area are available, and guided tours can be arranged for groups of six or more by prior arrangement. Many special events are sponsored throughout the year. The Mother's Day Tea, Teddy Bear Picnic and Victorian Christmas are perennial favorites. The Bully Lecture Series and Summer Walking Tours are highlights of the year for adults, while children can participate in Victorian Days held in summer. Call ahead for details on these and other special programs. Visit the site from Monday through Friday, from 9 AM until 5 PM year-round, and on weekends from 12 PM to 5 PM. The site is closed on major holidays. Pets: Pets are not permitted. Fees: A nominal entrance fee is charged. A fee is also charged for the guided architectural walking tour.
Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
PO Box C
Narrowsburg, NY 12764-0159
Phone: 717-729-8251 or 717-729-7135
Fax: 717-729-8565
Overview. Between Hancock and Sparrow Bush, NY, the Delaware River flows freely for more than 73 miles along the New York-Pennsylvania border. The river with its sparkling waters is a haven for boaters, anglers and other aquatic sports enthusiasts. The Roebling Bridge, thought to be the oldest wire cable suspension bridge in existence, has been fully restored and spans the upper Delaware. The famous American novelist Zane Grey lived beside the river from 1914 to 1918 at Lackawaxen, PA; today, the Zane Grey Museum is one of the attractions along this scenic stream. What to see and do. From mid-April through October bring your boat, canoe, raft, inner tube--whatever will keep you afloat--and spend some time drifting down the beautiful Delaware River. Fishing is permitted with either a New York or Pennsylvania license, and swimming is also allowed. More than 90% of the land along the shoreline is privately owned, but public access to the river is available in both New York and Pennsylvania. You can obtain information about the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River at the National Park Service bookstore in Narrowsburg, NY, or at five kiosks located along the river, as well as at the small museum at Roebling Bridge. All are staffed by rangers in the summer. The Zane Grey Museum is open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and on weekends in the spring and autumn. You can take a 20-minute guided tour to learn about Grey and his writing. Eagle watching is becoming a popular winter activity along the upper Delaware.
Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site
Address: 519 Albany Post Road
Hyde Park, NY 12538
Phone: 914-229-7770 or 914-229-9115
Fax: 914-229-0739
Overview. Frederick W. Vanderbilt, financier and philanthropist, decided his family needed a retreat from the constant stress of city life. He built this "country" home, a Beaux Arts palace, in 1898 on land overlooking the Hudson River, and he filled it with priceless antiques and art. Frederick, a grandson of the founder of the family fortune, Commodore Cornelius, spared no expense in the construction of the estate. Marble and walnut were imported from Europe. Walls are gilded in real gold, and genuine Renaissance tapestries hang in the hallways. Frederick's wife, Louise, slept in a bedroom worthy of a queen, literally. It is a copy of the queen's chamber from a Parisian palace. What to see and do. Marvel at the late-19th- to early-20th-century lifestyle of New York City's wealthiest families as you tour this estate. Take a guided tour of the first two floors of the mansion and then stroll through the restored gardens. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Hudson River and the distant Catskill Mountains. The visitor center is housed in the Pavilion, where the family spent winter weekends. There, browse through interpretive exhibits about the mansion and the Vanderbilt family. Visits to the mansion begin at the visitor center, which is open year-round. Call 914-229-7770 for days of operation. The site is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Pets: Not pets are permitted in the buildings. Fees: No entrance fee is charged. A fee for guided tours is charged for those aged 17 and older.
Women's Rights National Historical Park
Address: 136 Fall Street
Seneca Falls, NY 13148
Phone: 315-568-2991
Fax: 315-568-2141
Overview. Upstate New York became the birthplace of America's women's rights movement when, in 1848, five women (Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, Martha Wright, Jane Hunt, and Mary Ann M'Clintock) organized a convention in Seneca Falls' Wesleyan Methodist Chapel. For two days, 300 conventioneers of both sexes debated resolutions and signed the "Declaration of Sentiments," which was modeled after the Declaration of Independence. The park includes the remains of the chapel, Declaration Park, a Visitor Center/Museum, the Elizabeth Cady Stanton House, and the M'Clintock House, where the Declaration of Sentiments was written.What to see and do. Located in downtown Seneca Falls, the visitor center introduces you to the history of women's rights in America. Watch a 25-minute film, then walk through interpretive exhibits including a collection of statues representing 1848 participants. Outside in Declaration Park (open 24 hours), you may read the words of the Declaration engraved on a blue stone waterwall and visit the remains of Wesleyan Methodist Chapel. Continue on to the Elizabeth Cady Stanton House, open 1 to 5 PM for hourly tours during the summer. M'Clintock House and Village walking tours are also offered during the summer season. In winter, tours are given by request only, and groups must make reservations year-round. The park joins in town-wide celebrations on Women's Equality Day each August 26, commemorating the passage of the 19th amendment, and Convention Days in July, which mark the anniversary of the first Women's Rights Convention. Contact the park for more information. Other sites of interest of Seneca Falls include the National Women's Hall of Fame, the Seneca Falls Historical Society, and the Urban Cultural Park. Admission to the Visitor Center is $2.00 and includes movie and exhibits. An additional dollar adds on a Ranger guided tour of the Stanton House.
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