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Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace

The reconstructed boyhood home of Theodore Roosevelt, the first U.S. president born in New York City, offering a glimpse into the formative years of the 26th president.

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Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace
ajay_suresh, CC BY 2.0

What is the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace known for?

It is the boyhood home of Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th U.S. president and the first president born in New York City.

Where is it located?

The site is located in the Gramercy neighborhood of Manhattan at 28 East 20th Street, between Park Avenue South and Broadway.

Is the building the original house?

No, the original house was demolished in 1916 and reconstructed in 1923 by the Woman’s Roosevelt Memorial Association to resemble two adjoining four-story brownstone townhouses.

What can visitors do there?

Visitors can take guided tours and attend periodic special events featuring costumed living historians to learn about Roosevelt's formative early life.

What is inside the house museum?

The interior rooms are restored to reflect the period between 1865 and 1872, featuring furnishings that were either original to the house or provided by the Roosevelt family.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site is located at 28 East 20th Street in Manhattan, situated between Park Avenue South and Broadway. This site commemorates the early life of the 26th president of the United States, who was born here on October 27, 1858, and lived in the townhouse until he was between 13 and 15 years old. Although the original house was demolished in 1916, it was reconstructed in 1923 by the Woman’s Roosevelt Memorial Association. The current building, designed by Theodate Pope Riddle, one of America’s earliest female architects, is a 0.11-acre property that resembles two adjoining four-story brownstone townhouses. Inside, the rooms have been restored to reflect their appearance between 1865 and 1872, featuring original or family-provided furnishings. The site serves as a preserve for the Roosevelt family's legacy, interpreting how the young president overcame physical limitations and adversity to become an influential world leader. Visitors can explore the site through guided tours and periodic special events featuring costumed living historians. The site, which was established as a national historic site in 1962 and donated to the National Park Service in 1963, receives approximately 25,000 visitors per year.

Visitor tips

  • Check for scheduled guided tours to get the most out of your visit.
  • Look for costumed living historians during special events to bring the history to life.
  • Allow at least an hour to fully explore the restored interior rooms and the exhibits.
  • Since it is located in a residential neighborhood, be mindful of the surrounding brownstones.

Nearby context

The historic house is nestled in the Gramercy neighborhood of Manhattan, providing a quiet contrast to the bustling city streets between Broadway and Park Avenue South.

Sources

Evidence and links