Theodore Roosevelt Jr. — the 26th President and 25th Vice President of the United States from the Republican Party, and a Nobel Prize laureate — was born on October 27, 1858, in New York City. Today, the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace is recognized as a National Historic Site.
History
Theodore Roosevelt spent the first fourteen years of his life in this brownstone house in Manhattan. The original building was demolished in 1916, but the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace was reconstructed in 1919 and turned into a museum.
Roosevelt’s widow and sisters helped recreate the interior design of the home, sharing details about its furnishings and atmosphere. Later, the Theodore Roosevelt Association transferred the site to the care of the National Park Service.
Museum Collection
The museum houses numerous memorabilia from Roosevelt’s life and political career — including items from his presidential campaign, personal artifacts, and dramatic relics such as the shirt he wore during the assassination attempt and the folded eyeglass case and speech manuscript that slowed the bullet and helped save his life.
Visitors can also see political cartoons, children’s drawings, photographs, and exhibits about the home’s reconstruction. The museum regularly hosts concerts, gatherings, and commemorative events. There’s also a small theater where historical films are shown.
Interesting Facts
The area surrounding the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace is known for its excellent restaurants and shops. Just a few steps away stands the iconic Flatiron Building, famous among tourists for its unique triangular shape.
As you stroll through the neighborhood, take note of the elegant architecture — much of this district is part of a historic zone that once housed some of New York’s most prestigious department stores at the turn of the 20th century.
Visitor Information
Website: nps.gov/thrb
Address: 28 East 20th Street, between Broadway and Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10003
Admission: Free
