Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum — Attraction in Town of Hyde Park

My family and I visited the FDR Presidential Library & Museum on July 14, 2024.

One of the 13 (current) NARA-run Presidential Museums, FDR's museum was the first one opened. It documents the 32nd president's time in office (and before it) with many artifacts and pictures. Visitors begin their experience in the Henry A. Wallace Visitor's Center, and can visit both the museum and FDR's home (run by the National Parks Service). The New Deal Store is also in the visitor's center, as well as a small theater to watch the orientation film.

As with all the other NARA presidential museums, I absolutely loved my time at FDR's museum. There is plenty to see, and the exhibits didn't shy away from the controversial aspects of the president's legacy (womanizing, Japanese internment etc.) either. In the museum itself, I spent about 3 hours. That was enough for the museum, though not enough to include the temporary exhibit. If you plan to see everything and take things slowly, I would recommend between three and four hours (this is not including the house or lunch, which I reviewed separately). The whole experience makes for a great day trip. I was also very glad that, unlike all the other NARA museums, this one is open until 6:00 (at least during the summer -- not sure about the rest of the year). Not to mention, as dog owners, we loved all the Fala-related lore.

One cautionary detail -- the gift shop closes before the museum. If you plan to be at the museum late, don't wait until the end to...

This building is home to the first Presidential Library (there are currently 13). It was set up by FDR to house the vast collection of public records and personal memorabilia accumulated during his 12 years as President. A sampling of these items is shown at the museum, including letters from ordinary citizens.

The museum also presents his life in an almost chronological fashion, making the narrative easy to follow. The room he used as his personal study is also on view. His equally influential and prominent wife Eleanor figure prominently and there is a section devoted entirely to her life and causes. Finally, there are some special exhibitions, focused on notable events during his presidency, including World War II and the Great Depression.

The place is huge and it's easy to get overwhelmed with information. Definitely pace yourself and bring good walking shoes. We stayed for 2.5 hours. Tickets can be bought at the Visitor Center close by, and include a guided tour...

What a superb job Ranger Twardy did of giving us the grand tour of FDR's residence. He really gave us snippets of the interactions between the household members that made you feel like you knew them better. He brought alive the spirit of the former occupants of this once very modest home. The dynamics between Franklin, Eleanor and FDR's mother Sarah really came to life through his well versed narratives. I was invited to go on this private tour as a Realtor and new member of Rand Commercial Services. This was the annual "Day of Learning" field trip. . I would love to go back again this summer as I can only imagine how beautiful the roses garden is. The museum tour was equally as intriguing and I could spend an entire afternoon in there and still enjoy going back again and again. For anyone who lives in the Hudson Valley area and has not yet been there I highly recommend you make a point of it to visit! Then go to the Ever Ready Diner...