Martin Van Buren National Historic Site • New York

Lindenwald, a yellow, 3 story mansion, is surrounded by trees.

Le paysage à chasses, a scenic wallpaper of a hunting scene that is hung in Van Buren's dining room

The servants' dining room in the basement of Lindenwald. A round table fill the center of the room.

A white marble bust of Martin Van Buren is centered between two windows and behind an oblong desk.

Born in Kinderhook, New York, in 1782, Martin Van Buren was the first president born a US citizen. His life spanned the American Revolution to the Civil War and was shaped by the most important issues of the era: US expansionism and the removal of Indigenous people, states’ rights, and slavery. This historic landscape invites reflection on the many lives and legacies woven into its past.

Lindenwald during fall, the large Sycamore tree is prominently seen to the left rear of the house.
NPS Photo

Original sections of Le paysage à chasses by Zuber that hang in Van Buren's dining room.
NPS Photo

During Martin Van Buren’s ownership, this basement space served as a work and dining area for servants. However, during the Van Ness (1797) era, it may have been part of the living space for enslaved people.
NPS Photo

Inside Martin Van Buren's library a marble bust created by Hiram Powers dominates the space.
NPS Photo

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Duration:: 2 minutes, 56 seconds

In 2018 for the 102nd anniversary of the National Park Service we decided to celebrate the best unit in the system: Martin Van Buren National Historic Site. Directed by Dan Gelles

Virtual Tour

Unable to travel to Kinderhook? No problem! Check out the virtual tour of the President's beloved home.

Three Rangers sit in front of the Martin Van Buren National Historic Site entrance sign.

Check out our top ten list of things to know before you go!

View of the historic house from the outside. Front porch, door, windows and tower are all in view.

View of the historic house from the outside. Front porch, door, windows and tower are all in view.

View of farm and mountains in the background with phrase "Find Your Park"

Explore the grounds and learn about history at your own pace!

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge this National Historic Site stands on the ancestral lands of Indigenous peoples who have stewarded it for generations.

Portrait of Dr. Susan Mckinney Steward, seared in a long dress.

Explore the lives of women who influenced the nation before, during, and after Martin Van Buren's lifetime.

Martin Van Buren's family tree

Explore at-home educational activities for family members of all ages!

Last updated: April 23, 2025

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Martin Van Buren NHS
1013 Old Post Road
Kinderhook, NY 12106-3605

Phone:

518 764-1041

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