Springwood represents the childhood home of FDR and a place where he continued to return, even after being elected to the office of president for four consecutive terms. While conducting research, be sure to investigate not only the home, but other buildings on the surrounding grounds. Group members should focus on how life at the "Big House" and Hyde Park influenced FDR and shaped his life.

Your group should answer these questions as part of your research.

The Library
1) What is the significance of FDR’s presidential library? What did the formation of the library establish?
2) What personal belongings are stored at the library? (Include Eleanor’s and Franklin’s)
3) What role does field stone play n the architecture of the buildings at Springwood?
4) FDR was very interested in Hudson Valley architecture/construction. What other buildings did he help create?
5) Describe the influence Springwood had on FDR’s childhood, adulthood, presidency and death
6) Describe the special exhibit located to the right of the entrance.

7) As a group, choose what you feel are the three most important artifacts and discuss what they tell future generations of visitors. (Can be a combination of Eleanor’s & FDR’s items.)

The Home

8) What is the style of architecture of the home?
9) Who built it? What do we know about him?
10) Who were some of the guests that stayed at Springwood?

11) How did FDR come to own Springwood

12) How did it become a national historic site?

13) Describe FDR and Eleanor's family and what their life was like at Springwood.

[For more pictures, roll over those on screen.]