At Shrub Oak International School, we are committed to providing our students with enriching educational experiences that extend beyond the classroom. Recently, we embarked on a field trip to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, located in Hyde Park, New York. This visit offered our students a unique opportunity to engage with the life and legacy of the 32nd President of the United States in a tangible and meaningful way.
The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum holds the distinction of being the nation’s first presidential library. Established in 1941, the library was conceived and built under Roosevelt’s personal direction to house his extensive collection of papers, books, and memorabilia. Situated on the grounds of Springwood, the Roosevelt family estate, the library serves as a repository for the records of Roosevelt’s political career, including his tenure as New York State Senator, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Governor of New York, and President of the United States.
During our visit, students explored the museum’s permanent exhibitions, which feature immersive audio-visual theaters, interactive displays, and a wealth of historical artifacts. These exhibits vividly convey the dramatic story of the Roosevelt era, encompassing the Great Depression, the New Deal, and World War II. Students had the opportunity to engage with primary source materials, including original documents, photographs, and personal items belonging to Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt.
In addition to the museum, students toured the Roosevelt family home, Springwood. This historic site provided insight into Roosevelt’s personal life and the environment that shaped his character and values. Walking through the rooms where Roosevelt lived and worked, students gained a more intimate perspective on the man behind the presidency.
The visit to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum aligns with our educational philosophy at Shrub Oak International School, which emphasizes experiential learning and the development of critical thinking skills. By engaging directly with historical sites and primary sources, our students are able to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences, fostering a deeper appreciation for history and civic responsibility.
We are grateful to the staff of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum for their hospitality and dedication to preserving and sharing this important chapter of American history. This field trip not only enriched our students’ understanding of the past but also connected them to the history that was made right here in our own beautiful Hudson Valley, New York.
