Brad Reifler visits Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site and Val-Kill, the home and retreat of former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Val-Kill is dedicated to Eleanor Roosevelt and offers tours of her modest home as well as gardens and a new film about her life. The site provides an opportunity for visitors to learn more about one of the most influential First Ladies who was also an educator and champion of education and the environment. Val-Kill is located within the Hyde Park estate in Upstate New York and offers free admission, though tours of the home require an $8 fee for adults.

1. Brad Reifler Visits Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site
Eleanor Roosevelt may be best known as the First Lady and wife to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, but
most will attest that she stands in her own right as one of history’s most endearing, humane and
intelligent women, says Brad Reifler, a Hudson Valley resident and history buff. For those who wish to
know Mrs. Roosevelt just a bit more,can tour her lovely and modest house -- a retreat she called Val-Kill
and its surrounding gardens in the historic Hyde Park in upstate New York. According to national park
officials, Val-Kill is “The only National Historic Site dedicated to a first lady.”
For history buffs, Mrs. Roosevelt’s contributions are well-known but for new generations who may not
be as familiar with her life story, a visit toVal-Kill and the surrounding attractions in Hyde Park including
the Franklin D. Roosevelt Home, engages visitors into one of the most exciting and eloquent individuals
in the US. Mrs. Roosevelt began her adult career as a history teacher and rose to becomethe first lady
of our nation during one of the most turbulent and violent times in US history.
Many will argue that Mrs. Roosevelt was not just the first lady of the nation, but first lady and champion
education and the environment. One of her most endearing quotes says it all: “Educationis the
cornerstone of liberty."
Val-Kill is located on the 300-acre Hyde Park that also houses the Franklin D. Roosevelt Home National
Historic site, the Presidential Library and Museum, the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, as well
as a myriad of lovely gardens. According to Brad Reifler, visitors may take guided tours of Val-Kill
Cottage as well as enjoy the brand new, “Close to Home” short film which offers more insight into her
remarkable life.
Entrance to the park grounds is free, however there is an $8.00 fee for adults for Val-Kill which includes
a guided tour of Val-Kill. Children ages 15 and under are admitted free of charge.
On December 15, 2012, visitors may enjoy a special “open house” which includes a tour of Val-Kill as
well as the other attractions in Hyde Park. Admission on this day is free, says Brad Reifler.
The Val-Kill Cottage is open daily, 9am to 5 pm. Hyde Park is located on route 9 and roughly 90 miles
north of New York City and 70 miles south of Albany. The winter tour schedule begins in November – so
for more information on Val-Kill tour times call 1-845-229-5320 or visit the website for details on
directions, planning your visit, videos of all the major highlights of Hyde Park and more:
http://www.nps.gov/elro.