In celebration of their 30th year of preserving Val-Kill and Eleanor Roosevelt’s legacy, the National Park Service’s Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site at Val-Kill opened a new permanent exhibit on June 1, 2014 entitled, “Eleanor Roosevelt and Val-Kill: Emergence of a Political Leader.” The exhibit examines Eleanor Roosevelt’s world during the 1920s and 1930s when she joined a group of independent-minded women dedicated to shaping politics and social policy. New expectations and opportunities ignited a stirring friendship with activists Nancy Cook and Marion Dickerman. Together they created jobs, influenced party politics, and advanced social reforms. Val-Kill embodies their pioneering spirit.

Eleanor Roosevelt, Nancy Cook, Caroline O’Day and Marion Dickerman in the office at Val-Kill.

The exhibit looks more closely at Eleanor and Franklin’s unique partnership during these two decades. Driven by independent interests, they were united by a strong, complex vision and overlapping circles of friends and associates. As FDR advanced politically, Eleanor’s influence grew in both the Democratic women’s movement and the president’s administration. In Val-Kill’s relaxed atmosphere, the Roosevelts gathered advisers, reformers, dignitaries, and even movie stars to address pressing issues of the times. Working together, Franklin and Eleanor built alliances and shaped national politics. Eleanor Roosevelt transformed the role of first lady, bringing decades of women’s social reform work to the national political agenda. For the rest of her life, Val-Kill remained a source of inspiration and a gathering place for those who shared her vision.

The only National Historic Site dedicated to a First Lady, Val-Kill welcomes the public as Mrs. Roosevelt welcomed her many guests. Visitors may tour Mrs. Roosevelt’s Val-Kill Cottage and enjoy the lovely gardens and grounds on the site. For more information on Val-Kill, click here.

This news item originally appeared on the National Park Service’s website. The original posting can be found here.

Photos courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, Hyde Park, NY.