A founder of the Democratic Party, Martin Van Buren served as the 9th governor of New York, the 10th U.S. Secretary of State, and the 8th Vice President and 8th President of the United States (1837 to 1841).
Born in Kinderhook in Columbia County, NY, he was the first President born after the American Revolution, and the only President to speak English as a second language.
Martin Van Buren National Historic Site, located at 1013 Old Post Road, in Kinderhook, will open for summer programs and tours on June 3rd. The visitor center tent will be open seven days a week from 9 am to 4:30 pm. Restroom facilities are available, but the museum shop remains closed at this time.
Guided tours of Lindenwald, Martin Van Buren’s home, will be offered daily at 10 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm. Tours last 45 minutes and cover the interior of the home, the Van Buren family, and history of the site. Registration is required for tours.
Rangers will also offer a Walk Thru House Tour at 9:30 am, 11:30 am, and 2:30 pm. This shortened tour visits the first floor of the house and lasts a half hour. Attendees should sign up for the tour at the visitor center tent beforehand.
Park grounds remain open daily from dawn to sunset, where attendees can follow the three-quarter mile wayside loop starting near the parking area to learn more about Martin Van Buren’s post-presidency home.
For more information, call Martin Van Buren National Historic Site at (518) 758-9689 or visit their website.
Photo of Martin Van Buren National Historic Site courtesy National Park Service.
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