This brownstone townhouse in the Grammercy Park area of Manhattan is actually a reconstructed version of Teddy Roosevelt's boyhood home. Now administered by the National Park Service, the house offers an excellent view of New York City life in the mid-1800s, as well as a treasure trove of information about our 26th President.
*It is currently closed for renovations and will re-open in 2016.
Best and worst times to go to the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace
Since this site is closed for renovations, you can only see the outside right now. So choose a sunny day and enjoy exploring the neighborhood.
Must see/do at the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace
Be sure to take a tour if it is available. Note that although the actual building in which TR grew up was demolished in 1916, a group of prominent citizens purchased the site after his death in 1919 and reconstructed Roosevelt's boyhood home as a memorial. TR's widow and two sisters carefully monitored this process to ensure that the house was accurately restored.
Admission to the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace
Admission hours and fees will be available when the museum re-opens in 2016.
Parking and Public Transportation to the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace
The Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site is located on the south side of East 20th Street, between Park Avenue South and Broadway. There is limited street parking and public parking garages in the area.
By subway, take the 6 train to the East 23rd Street station on Park Avenue South; or the
N and R train to the East 23rd Street station on Broadway.
By bus, take the M6 and M7 on Broadway; the M1 on Park Avenue South; or the M23 on 23rd Street.
Insider tip for visitors to the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace
While the birthplace is closed, consider a visit to the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Hall at the American Museum of Natural History or to Sagamore Hill, aka "the Summer White House."
Other places to visit near the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace
Although getting into the privately-owned Grammercy Park requires a key, you can get a nice look at the gardens through the fence. The National Arts Club (where TR was a member) often has exhibitions and events that are open to the public.
Author's bio: Victoria Franzese is a proud New Yorker who owned, operated, and wrote for a successful online travel guide for 15 years. Now, thankfully, all of her travel is purely for fun. See where she's going next at @VOFranzese.
