Blue Room

NPS Photo

From 1880 to 1915, this was Sara Roosevelt’s bedroom. Until his death in 1900, she shared this room with her husband James. Sara gave birth to Franklin in this room. After the 1915 renovations to expand and remodel the house, Sara moved to a room in the new south wing, and the Blue Room was redecorated and refurnished for guests. In recognition that the house would one day be a museum, Sara wrote “I mean to leave word with Eleanor or someone that, after I am gone, I would like that room restored as nearly as possible as it was. Of course the shape and size are different, but I mean the furniture.” Her instructions represent a conscious effort to memorialize the birthplace of a U. S. President. In 1941, Eleanor followed Sara’s wishes, returning her furniture to this room.

 

Prior to 1941, the Blue Room was furnished as a guestroom with a pair of twin size beds. After Sara's furniture was returned to the Blue Room, it was never again used as a guestroom.