After its closure three years ago, Theodore Roosevelt’s home at Sagamore Hill National Historic Site will re-open on July 13. The home has been undergoing a $6.2 million rehabilitation since the spring of 2012. The three-year project has given the home a comprehensive interior and exterior rehabilitation of its architectural and structural elements, from its roof to the foundation.
“It will have a fresh and clean feel,” said Kelly Fuhrmann, superintendent of Sagamore Hill National Historic Site.
Fuhrmann moved to Oyster Bay in December 2013 in the midst of the renovations. He said all of the contents of the home were put in storage during the rehabilitation of the house.
“Seeing the transformation from an empty home to a house full of familial and historical artifacts makes me very excited about what we do in the National Parks Service,” said Fuhrmann. “It really brings home, for me, how important it is to keep these artifacts intact and remain dedicated to the public.”
While the changes are mainly structural and cosmetic—the porch was redone and the entire home got a new paint job—Fuhrmann said there might be some minor changes to the internal interpretive exhibit and visitors may notice that the path around the visitors center has been redone.
On July 12, they will hold the official re-opening, offering walk-through tours of the first floor. Beginning July 13, tours will be offered daily. Fuhrmann said there will be a new online reservation system in place for the tours, which run every 45 minutes, and walk-ins will also be accepted. The fee is $10/per person, with a discounted price for seniors and children.
Until then, visitors to the park can check out the visitor center, Theodore Roosevelt Museum at Old Orchard and the park grounds.
At 12 Sagamore Hill Rd. in Oyster Bay, Sagamore Hill National Historic Site offers a wide variety of activities for all ages. The visitor center is available so newcomers can get a brief orientation to the park. The Roosevelt Museum at Old Orchard, home of Theodore Roosevelt Jr., features films and exhibits about Theodore Roosevelt.
The grounds are open daily from dusk to dawn. The visitor center and bookstore is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the Roosevelt Museum at Old Orchard is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the building is free and visitors can view movies and exhibits at their own pace.
Those who wish to simply explore the expansive, 83-acre park grounds are welcome to bring their pets; the six Roosevelt children who lived on the grounds a century ago often kept “normal” pets such as dogs, and they also had a variety of more exotic animals like parrots, guinea pigs, mice and a badger named Josiah. Dogs must be kept on a leash.
A picnic area is available for visitors to enjoy an outdoor meal. Food, other than small snacks and beverages, is not available on site, so plan on bringing your own lunch.
Visit www.nps.gov/sahi for more information.
