Due to a major construction project, the Site will be closed for regular tours, starting Jan. 1. Grand re-opening is planned for spring 2009. Details coming soon.
Please contact us at 716-884-0095, or consult our website, for schedule information prior to your visit. We are very sorry for any inconvenience.
Our Education Department does continue to offer several programs, and we are planning special events for the general public over the coming year.
Images of ongoing restoration work
Local Historic Site Set to Close for Renovation
Buffalo, NY, December 21, 2007 In anticipation of a major renovation and new construction, the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site will close to the general public beginning January 2, 2008. This project, a partnership between the Site’s Foundation and the National Park Service, involves significant upgrades to the historic WilcoxMansion, (including HVAC and electrical improvements, a new fire suppression system and roof, and exterior painting and repair) as well as construction of a new addition adjacent to the Mansion on the footprint of the original Wilcox carriage house.
Before construction can begin, the historic structure needs to be protected, fragile and valuable artifacts removed, the Site’s collection secured, and staff offices relocated. January and February, which are normally low visitation months, will provide the time to prepare and protect the WilcoxMansion and collection. The work in the historic structure and on the new addition will proceed simultaneously beginning in March.
During the period the Site is closed for regular tours, many regular activities will continue through collaborations with other institutions. Victorian Interlude, the Site’s popular fourth grade program, is being held at the Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society for the coming year and outreach continues to schools and senior centers. Lectures will take place throughout the community, as will the children's summer camp and Teddy Bear Picnic. Special "hard hat" tours will be offered during the summer months.
The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site Foundation looks forward to completing the project and a grand re-opening in the spring of 2009. Regular updates on the project's progress and information on special programming will be available on the Site’s website, www.nps.gov/thri throughout the coming months.
The Site’s $2.2 million Capital Campaign has been generously supported by the National Park Service, New YorkState, local foundations and corporations, trustees, staff, volunteers and members. Just over 90% of the necessary dollars have been raised and the Foundation hopes to raise the remaining funds in the Western New York community.
For further information or to lend your support to this unique and exciting Buffalo project, please contact the Site at (716) 884-0095.
For more information about our renovations, please see our management page.
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