On September 14, 1901, Buffalo, NY stepped into the national spotlight as Theodore Roosevelt took the oath of office as the nation's 26th president following the assassination of President William McKinley. In a simple ceremony in the library of the Ansley Wilcox house, Roosevelt began a journey that would forever alter the course of the United States and the office of the presidency itself. Seventy years later, on September 14, 1971, the Ansley Wilcox house was opened to the public as a historic house museum, the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site.

Today, the Site is at an exciting juncture in its history, essentially reinventing itself and becoming a museum for the 21st century. One year after groundbreaking, the TR Site's biggest construction project since the Wilcox Mansion's restoration in late 1960s is now complete. The Carriage House addition sits comfortably on the foundation of the original Wilcox carriage house and appears much as it did when Theodore Roosevelt took the oath of office here in 1901. The connecting structure between the Carriage House and the Wilcox Mansion fades away with its tinted glass exterior, and provides space inside for an elevator and handicapped restroom, bringing universal access to the Site for the very first time. An expanded admissions area, new museum store, and large education/event space are important new visitor amenities. A professionally designed, climate-controlled storage area provides a safe environment for the Site's historic collection.

The Wilcox Mansion 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.

The Site is now open for public tours and an all new tour experience brings the Site's important story to life through a captivating docent lead tour enhanced by interactive exhibits and multi-media programming. Visitors will be transported back to the drama of September 1901, following Roosevelt as he arrives in Buffalo, takes the oath of office, writes his first proclamation to the nation, and begins his presidency.

A visit to the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site will be a unique exhibit experience, inviting visitors of all ages to come back again and discover the many things still left to explore. The Site offers universal access and ample free parking in the rear lot, entrance on Franklin Street. For further information please call (716) 884-0095.