Beyond the hustle and bustle of New York City lie two national parks that were built to commemorate unique moments in American history. One is the home of a beloved First Lady, and the other is a former haven for artists seeking refuge outside of the city.
Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site
Amidst the 180-acre rural sprawl lies "Val-Kill," the only property that Eleanor Roosevelt ever owned. She purchased this modest cottage with encouragement from her husband, Franklin, to use the home and land as a means to develop her numerous endeavors. During the Great Depression, she used the cottage as a furniture factory to teach young men the trade. The house and its surrounding units are now open year-round to visitors for walk-through tours. There are also trails throughout the land nearby.
Weir Farm National Historic Site
Weir Farm National Historic Site is located in Ridgefield, Connecticut, 60 miles northeast of New York City. This structure was once home to a legendary artist community started by famous impressionist painter J. Alden Weir. Take a guided tour through the house where Weir and other painters, like Childe Hassam, Albert Pinkham Ryder, and John Twachtman, developed the skills that would later define the period. There are even art supplies provided free of charge for guests to make paintings of their own, if the house and its history should inspire you.
Equal Housing Opportunity