Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site

08/29/2026

08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day from Eleanor and Fala!

Keeping with the holiday spirit, we'd like to officially reveal the new water fountain on the Val-Kill grounds! This state-of-the-art fountain offers three means of water delivery! The most important aspect of the fountain is the ground level water bowl intended for pets! Then human companions can choose to either refill their water bottles or drink from the traditional fountain spout!

Keep yourself and your pet companions hydrated, friends!
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Photo 1: Eleanor Roosevelt and Fala at Val-Kill in Hyde Park, New York. November 1951. Courtesy of Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum

Photos 2, 3, 4: The new water fountain for visitors at the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site. NPS Photos.

08/24/2026

World War II Across America’s National Parks: An Introduction

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation, we embrace the story of America from our founding to today. National parks help preserve many chapters of that story, including one of the most defining events of the 20th century: World War II. Sixteen million Americans served under arms, more than 400,000 were killed, and countless millions more supported the war effort at home. The war touched every part of American society, and little was left unchanged—including national parks.

For the next 16 weeks, leading up to the 85th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the National Park Service will take you across the country to explore America's experience in World War II through the lens of national parks. These sites preserve different parts of America's wartime story, including both triumphs and tragedies. This list of parks is by no means exclusive, nor are the stories that will be shared. They represent just a fraction of the war's impact on our parks and the nation, with many of those impacts still felt today.

To follow the series, use . Each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, a new park will share its story and point you to the next stop in the journey.

The series begins here at .

Image Caption: WWII enlisted visit Grand Canyon National Park.
Image Credit: NPS/Emily Welch

08/10/2026

Who was Lorena "Hick" Hickok?

Most people know Eleanor Roosevelt as First Lady, humanitarian, and activist. Far fewer people know the story of the groundbreaking journalist who became one of her closest friends and confidantes.

Join the Parks & Pages book club this month as we discuss "Hick: The Trailblazing Journalist Who Captured Eleanor Roosevelt's Heart" by Sarah Miller. Through Hick's life and career, the book offers a fascinating look at journalism, politics, friendship, and the changing role of women during the 20th century.

Join us on Thursday, August 27, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Henry A. Wallace Visitor and Education Center. Whether you've finished the book, just started reading, or simply enjoy learning about Eleanor Roosevelt and Hyde Park history, we'd love to have you join us.

We'll also be sharing highlights from a pre-recorded conversation with the author, Sarah Miller, during our discussion. What would you like to ask Sarah Miller? Selected questions may be included in the interview that will be shared at our book club discussion. Post your questions in the comments. Your question could be about Lorena Hickok, Eleanor Roosevelt, their relationship, Sarah’s research, or the process of writing "Hick".
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Photo: Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickok in Puerto Rico on March 7, 1934. Courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

07/21/2026

How do you lead a nation through the end of a world war while also trying to build a lasting peace?

This month at Parks & Pages, we’ll be exploring that question as we discuss "The Last 100 Days: FDR at War and at Peace" by David Woolner. The book examines Franklin Roosevelt’s final months in office and the decisions that helped shape the postwar world.

We’re especially excited that David Woolner will be joining us virtually for the discussion, giving participants the opportunity to hear directly from the author and ask questions about his research. A leading scholar of Franklin D. Roosevelt and the president of the Roosevelt Institute, Woolner has written extensively about FDR’s leadership and legacy.

Whether you’ve finished the book, are just getting started, or are simply interested in history, we’d love to have you join us. You don’t have to read the book to enjoy the conversation.

Thursday, July 30
6:00 PM
Henry A. Wallace Visitor Center

07/21/2026

NPS Employment opportunity in Hyde Park, NY:
Seasonal Motor Vehicle Operator

Open to the first 50 applicants or until 07/27/2026 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.

The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period is Nov 2026-Apr 2027 but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding.

Open to the first 50 applicants or until 07/27/2026 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration. 1039 Hours; The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period is Nov 2026-Apr 2027, but can be variable during these months due to weather condi...

07/02/2026

Happy Independence Day weekend! The National Historic Sites of Hyde Park, NY (and all U.S. national parks) are celebrating the 250th Anniversary of American Independence with three fee-free days!

Enjoy a FREE tour of Hyde Park's three magnificent, federally preserved homes on July 3, 4, and 5! This includes the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Vanderbilt Mansion, and Eleanor Roosevelt's Val-Kill. You can visit one site, or you can visit them all! Just be sure to check in to our visitor centers first to acquire a ticket, and you're all set for an unforgettable experience.

On July 4, we are also hosting a Naturalization Ceremony on the front lawn of the Home of FDR! Candidates will recite the Oath of Allegiance and be officially made citizens. If you happen to be here on Independence Day, feel free to respectfully observe this time-honored ceremony.

07/02/2026

New event announcement! Join the Eleanor Roosevelt Center (ERVK) and the Be A Friend Project for a FREE youth event focused on bullying prevention, kindness, and allyship on the grounds of Val-Kill, Eleanor Roosevelt’s home.

We’re inviting young people of all ages to come together and stand up against bullying! The event will feature a variety of fun and empowering activities, including kindness crafts, guest speakers, and the opportunity to create “Friend-Mail” for children who are currently experiencing bullying.

Learn more and register at ervk.org/eleanor-roosevelt-day-of-kindness