One of NYC’s Least-Visited Historic Sites is Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthplace — Home To America’s First Nobel Prize-Winning President

When you think of National Park Service sites in New York City, icons like the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island immediately come to mind. But just a short walk from Union Square sits one of the city’s quietest corners of history: the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site . According to a 2024 National Park Service visitation report), the site saw just 30,141 recreational visitors last year , making it one of the least-visited historic sites in all of NYC . That’s surprising, considering the significance of what’s inside. The brownstone marks the exact spot where Theodore Roosevelt—America’s 26th president and the first to win a Nobel Prize—was born in 1858 . The original brownstone at 28 East 20th Street was demolished in 1916, but after Roosevelt’s death in 1919, it was meticulously rebuilt and furnished with authentic period pieces donated by the Roosevelt family. Today, the site recreates what the home looked like when Roosevelt lived there in the 1860s , from the ornate Victorian parlor to his childhood bedroom filled with books and curiosities. Roosevelt’s house offers an intimate window into his formative years, giving visitors a sense of how a sickly boy who grew up in Gilded Age New York would go on to become one of the most energetic and influential presidents in American history. Things to do at Theodore Roosevelt National Historic Site --------------------------------------------------------- ### Guided tours The only way to see the period rooms is on a free, ranger-led guided tour . Tours last about 40 minutes and bring you through five restored rooms, including the library and dining room , while rangers share stories about Roosevelt’s youth and family life. ### Exhibit galleries Beyond the reconstructed rooms , the museum galleries highlight Roosevelt’s legacy as a naturalist, soldier, and reformer. You’ll find original photographs, political cartoons, and personal items that trace his journey from New York politician to president. ### Special programs The site occasionally hosts lectures, children’s programs, and anniversary events tied to Roosevelt’s life and presidency , making it a rewarding spot for history buffs who want to go deeper. Visiting Roosevelt’s birthplace ------------------------------- You can find the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace at 28 East 20th Street , right in the heart of Manhattan’s Flatiron District. Admission is free as mentioned, and tours are given on a first-come, first-served basis . Hours vary , so it’s best to check the National Park Service website before planning your visit! Learn more: National Park Service Source: https://secretnyc.co/theodore-roosevelt-birthplace-national-historic-site-nyc/