It was a dazzling display of photography at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive & Legislative Building on Tuesday, Oct. 13, as local artist and photographer Xiomáro showed off his photographic collection. The varied collection of photographs, which show a unique perspective of the inside of Roosevelt’s Sagamore Hill estate, were on display through Oct. 23 in the exhibit, Theodore Roosevelt’s Sagamore Hill: The “Unseen” Summer White House.
Xiomáro said that he wanted to photograph the home in a way that few people get to see and experience.
“Since its grand reopening, most people have seen the inside behind velvet ropes as part of a tour group,” said Xiomáro. “I had full access to the home, thanks to the National Park Service and I wanted to show different angles and perspectives as a way of giving an alternate experience in seeing Sagamore Hill.”
Xiomáro said that he was influenced by Roosevelt because of his colorful personality and because he was one of the more unique presidents in our country’s history.
“Photography has never been bigger than now with all the social media platforms and this collection stands on its own,” said Xiomáro.
Some of the photographs that were on display have already been exhibited the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum and at the Oyster Bay Historical Society.
Politicians and members of the Oyster Bay Historical Society and Civic Association attended the event.
Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos said that he is a big advocate of small businesses and artists and that his campaign hosts a number of exhibits across the county.
“This particular exhibition has a special meaning to us because it ties in to the construction and establishment of this building,” said Maragos. “It takes us back to when Roosevelt was a governor of our nation.”
“It is a beautiful thing because these photographs are honoring one of the greatest world leaders ever from the hamlet of Oyster Bay,” said Oyster Bay Civic Association President Rich LaMarca.
