Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, known as Val-Kill, will remain closed through July 4th due to construction projects on the property which will restore and add upgrades to public use areas.
"Since the Eleanor Roosevelt Site was dedicated in October of 1984, there has been no major work done to the historic structures or to the public areas of the site," said superintendent Sarah Olsen. "As we approach the 30th anniversary of the legislation creating the park, funding has become available through the active efforts of Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chuck Schumer and Congressman John Sweeney."
A portion of the work will address a number of major repairs needed to ensure the long-term preservation of the site and is part of a large effort that, in a later phase, will also address the restoration of the pond and Val-Kill landscape. Some of the repairs, like moisture mitigation, are critical thought not visible.
Additionally, the site's visitor center will be renovated. The fee collection area and the bookstore managed by the Roosevelt Vanderbilt Historical Association will be remodeled. Improvements will be made to the public restrooms.
In addition to public funds, the park has a partnership with Save America's Treasures. Due to their generous support, the public will enjoy new state-of-the-art exhibits and an introductory film in the renovated visitor center when the site reopens in July. Save America's Treasures is a not for profit organization associated with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Their mission is to assist in the preservation of selected historic landmarks throughout the nation.
The Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill (ERVK) is currently located in the historic Stone Cottage at the site. Their mission is to educate future generations about the legacy of Mrs. Roosevelt through the sponsorship of conferences and seminars at the site. ERVK will be moving to a new structure at the site in 2007 which will provide more office and program space for the organization. This move will result in increased access to the Stone Cottage for visitors to the site.
