Making History Again 

The Fight to Save the House

After Kathryn Lawrence's Dining Rooms closed, the property was leased to a local developer who intended to demolish the house and build office space. The community was outraged. In response to the resulting protests, a bill was introduced in Congress that would declare the house a National Historic Site. With legislation pending and the house at risk, Liberty National Bank and Trust Company bought the property and agreed to hold it. The house was declared a National Historic Site in November 1966, although it remained vacant as funds were raised to restore and rehabilitate it. Eventually, on the 70th anniversary of Theodore Roosevelt's inauguration – September 14, 1971 – the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site opened its doors to the public.

Expansion and Upgrades

June 2009 marked the completion of the biggest construction endeavor at 641 Delaware Avenue since the Wilcox Mansion's restoration in late 1960s. Numerous improvements were made to the TR Site, including an all-new visitor experience. Interactive exhibits transport you back to the drama of September 1901, and allow you to follow Roosevelt as he arrives in Buffalo, takes the oath of office, writes his first proclamation to the nation, and begins his presidency.

Also part of the renovation was the recreation of the Wilcox Carriage House on its original foundation. The connecting structure between the Carriage House and the Wilcox Mansion features a tinted glass exterior, and provides space inside for an elevator and handicapped restroom, bringing universal access to the TR Site for the very first time. New visitor amenities include an expanded admissions area, new museum store, and large education and event space. A professionally designed, climate-controlled storage area provides a safe environment for the TR Site's historic collection.

The TR Site is now outfitted with fire suppression and air conditioning systems and has been further protected with interior and exterior painting, as well as wood, masonry, roof and gutter repairs, and electrical upgrades. A landscape plan has been developed by a local landscape architect, with input from the National Park Service's Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation. The plan, which closely approximates the grounds in 1901, will be implemented in stages over the next few years.

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