Life, Health and Death of Theodore Roosevelt

Date: December 12, 2008

On Sunday Jan. 11, at 1:30 and 3pm, Mark Koziol, Park Ranger at Sagamore Hill will present an illustrated lecture on the Life, Health and Death of TR to mark the anniversary of TR’s passing on Jan. 6, 1919.  The gallery talk will be given at the Old Orchard Museum located on the grounds of Sagamore Hill. There is no charge for the event.

Koziol has been researching some of the health issues that TR faced throughout his life, beginning with childhood asthma, the trolley car accident of 1902, the assassination attempt of 1912 and the trip to Brazil in 1914.  He presents his findings showing that while the public impression of the 26th president was that of one who was robust and healthy, pursuing the strenuous life, TR had health issues that bothered him through his life and career and probably contributed to what some regard as a rather early demise at barely 60 years of age.  In addition to his documented health problems and events, TR was known for his enjoyment of “good food and lots of it” savoring portions of bacon by the pound, and eggs by the dozen, chicken fried in lard or butter, all washed down with coffee by the pot full. 

            \

While we do not undertake the medical diagnosis of dead people, it is interesting to consider the facts and circumstances and wonder if TR’s life might have been longer if he had received better medical treatment and healthcare and had followed better dietary habits. Join us for this talk and participate in the Q  & A that will follow each session.

Sagamore Hill NHS is currently on its off-season schedule, Labor Day through Memorial Day, open Wednesday through Sunday from 9AM-5PM for guided tours of the Roosevelt Home and admission to the Old Orchard Museum. Tours of the Roosevelt home carry an admission fee of $5.00 per person (children 15 and under are free) which can be obtained at the visitor center. The OldOrchardMuseum and grounds are free to the public.  The public is welcome to walk the grounds and nature trails of the site 7 days per week from dawn to dusk.  For more information please check out our website at www.nps.gov/sahi  or call 516-922-4788.