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This lesson is based on the National Register of Historic Places registration file for the "Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site" (Ansley Wilcox House) and other source material. Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site was written by Ann Marie Brogan-Linnabery, former Chief of Interpretation, Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site. The lesson was edited by Fay Metcalf, education consultant, and the Teaching with Historic Places staff. TwHP is sponsored, in part, by the Cultural Resources Training Initiative and Parks as Classrooms programs of the National Park Service. This lesson is one in a series that brings the important stories of historic places into the classrooms across the country.

Where it fits into the curriculum
Topics: This lesson could be used in U.S. history, social studies, and geography courses in units on Theodore Roosevelt's presidency, the Progressive Era, or government and politics. It will help students understand the circumstances under which Theodore Roosevelt first became President of the United States and how his policies and actions modernized the presidency.
Time period: 1901-1909
Relevant United States History Standards for Grades 5-12
Relevant Curriculum Standards for Social Studies
Find your state's social studies and history standards for grades Pre-K-12

Objectives for students
1) To explain the events surrounding William McKinley's assassination and determine how this impacted the course of national and world affairs.
2) To consider the historical significance of the house where Roosevelt became our 26th President.
3) To discover how Theodore Roosevelt changed long-standing political and social policies and became a champion of the common man.
4) To locate a historical building in their community and trace how its location, purpose, and architecture changed over time.

Materials for students
The materials listed below either can be used directly on the computer or can be printed out, photocopied, and distributed to students. The maps and images appear twice: in a smaller, low-resolution version with associated questions and alone in a larger version.
1) one map of New York State and the surrounding area;
2) four readings about how Theodore Roosevelt became the 26th President of the United States and how his inauguration marked a turning point in the role of the presidency;
3) two drawings and three photos of Delaware Avenue, Roosevelt's inauguration, and the Wilcox house (Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site).

Visiting the site
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site is operated by the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site Foundation under a cooperative agreement with the National Park Service. For more information, contact the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site, 641 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202, or visit the park's Web site.