The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site will be displaying rarely seen artifacts from its collection in a series of “Behind the Scenes” tours that will begin Friday, January 21st.
Each of the six tours will be led by the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site’s Curator, Lenora Hansen. The Theodore Roosevelt: Tales and Treasures tour series will focus on a different theme each time so tour goers have something new to look forward too. Friday’s tour, which begins at 10:30 a.m., will feature commemorative items from Roosevelt’s 1901 inauguration in Buffalo.
Viewers will be able to see items such as a German-made straight razor with Roosevelt’s image on the blade. Another interesting item on display is an exact replica of a silver Tiffany & Co. hunting knife that was made to Roosevelt’s exact specifications.
The knife was commissioned by Roosevelt before he went west in 1884. Roosevelt’s name appears on the hilt of the knife and scenes of deer and bears act as decorations on it as well. The knife has appeared at Roosevelt’s side in many photos, which will also be on display in the tour.
Henson will also be sharing many anecdotes and stories that pertain to the objects on display.
“We have this remarkable letter, written by a 21-year-old Gowanda native who attended TR’s inaugural ball in 1905,” Henson said. “The letter is charmingly candid and was written in the margins of a double-page newspaper illustration. By the time it was donated to the TR Site, however, the letter had been read and re-folded so many times that it was in four pieces.”
Attendees will be able to hear a story about the note was repaired and restored to original form.
Each of the tours is limited to ten people and will cost $15 for the Site’s members and $25 for non-members. Proceeds will benefit collections-care projects at the Roosevelt Site. The special tours will run about one and a half hours long. All participants that attend the “Behind the Scenes” tours will receive a coupon for one of the “standard” guided tours that the Roosevelt Site offers.
Spots are filling up fast, and pre-paid reservations are required and can be made by calling (716)-884-0095. The full schedule of the “Behind the Scenes” tours as well as additional information can be found here.