I just finished watching the Ken Burns documentary, The Roosevelts on PBS, chronicling the lives of Teddy, Franklin, and Eleanor. Of course I had the requisite historical knowledge of FDR from what I retained from school But this was different. The program, for me, was moving. Through his horrific personal health battles, he never gave up on moving forward, and never settled for less than implementing his ideals for the country, and changed the face of America forever. I just had to see his home, library and museum in Hyde Park New York. Ive just returned from there this afternoon. In a word, the estate is magnificent. Its one of the greatest historical museums Ive ever seen. Theres so much to take in, you could spend the whole day. The artifacts and collectables go on FOREVER, and there are tremendous film presentations everywhere slickly produced. In 1945, FDR died of a brain hemorrhage. Time stood still in his family home. Every stick of furniture in every room is original, and exactly how it looked the day he died. Eleanor donated the entire property, its buildings and contents to the parks department, and thats the way it sits to this day. Bring your kids and your family to see a charmed life from days gone by. This is a MUST SEE. Its a quick trip up 84 to Hyde Park. You might even be moved to do what I did, visit his grave on the property and silently thank him for what he did for America. fdrlibrary.marist.edu
Posted on: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 20:00:56 +0000