STEPPING OFF THE CLIFF:
MAKING INTERPRETIVE
CHANGE HAPPEN
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site
Buffalo, NY
A little background…
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National Park Site
Managed by a private, local foundation
Just completed a $3.7M project
“The Way We Were” (pre-2008)
Mission Statement, 1997
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The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
preserves and protects the former Ansley Wilcox residence, site
of the inauguration of Theodore Roosevelt as 26th President of
the United States on September 14, 1901 following the
assassination of William McKinley.
The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
interprets the inauguration, not just as a single event, but as the
beginning of Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency and as a turning
point in United States history and the office of the presidency.
One of the very few inaugural sites outside the nation’s capital,
the Site represents the orderly presidential succession process in
the United States.
The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site is one of
the few 1830’s structures still in existence in Buffalo having been
built originally as officers’ quarters for the Buffalo Barracks.
The Site interprets the city’s cultural, social, industrial and
economic environment at the turn of the century.
Interpretive Themes
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The circumstances of the assassination of President
William McKinley and the inauguration of
Theodore Roosevelt in Buffalo in September of
1901.
The importance of Theodore Roosevelt's
presidency as a major turning point in American
history.
Life of typical upper class Americans, such as
Theodore Roosevelt or the Wilcox family, at the
turn of the 20th century.
New technology and inventions available in the
American home of the early 20th century, and the
impact they had on life at the time.
The “Old” Tour
Orientation Room
Orientation Video
Library
Where
Theodore
Roosevelt took
the oath of
office
Hall/Front Entry
Exhibit Room
Morning Room
Dining Room
Victorian Lady’s Bedroom
Process of Change
*NEW* Mission Statement
2003
Part of a new
Strategic Plan
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The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National
Historic Site preserves the Ansley Wilcox
House in Buffalo, New York where
Theodore Roosevelt became the 26th
President of the United States on
September 14, 1901. We provide
opportunities for visitors to understand the
historical events surrounding the
inauguration, as well as the lasting
significance of Theodore Roosevelt’s life
and presidency.
Board Commitment
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Carriage House project - impetus for CHANGE
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Fundraising/Capital Campaigns
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“Hands on” board involvement
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Finding qualified consultants to work with
staff and bring necessary expertise to the
table
Tour Development
Revised Interpretive Themes
March, 2007
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Consultant:
Christopher
Clarke
Funding: Get
Set Grant
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When Theodore Roosevelt was inaugurated in Buffalo,
NY on September 14, 1901 following the assassination
of President William McKinley, it demonstrated the
resiliency of the American government and the US
Constitution.
The social and political turmoil that America was
experiencing in the nineteenth and early twentieth
centuries influenced Roosevelt’s presidency and
challenged Americans to reevaluate what constitutes
a just society.
Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency was one of the most
active and influential in our nation’s history and its
policies continue to affect the nation to this day.
Long-Range Interpretive Planning
April, 2007
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Consultant:
Linda Norris
Scholar:
Kathleen
Dalton
Funding: NYCH
Mini Grant
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Meeting Goal: to solicit staff, volunteer and
community input on interpretive and exhibition plans
in anticipation of new interpretive and program space;
focusing on:
 Period rooms
 Long-term exhibits
 Changing exhibits
12 participants including staff, volunteers, educators,
and one high school student
Planning Meeting
July, 2007
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Consultant:
Linda Norris
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Prioritizing tasks
Timeline
“Marching orders”
Walkthrough –
Proposed Visitor Experience
Fall, 2007
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Consultant:
Linda Norris
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Identified goals of the new visitor experience
 Create a family-friendly experience for both local
residents and tourists that highlights (new)
interpretive themes
 Provide a transformative experience for visitors that
encourages citizen engagement, both locally and
nationally, while encouraging further contemplation of
Roosevelt’s life and legacy
 Have visitors leave saying, “Wow!”
Provided basic framework that informed development
of everything that followed
Front-end Evaluation
Fall, 2007
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On-site survey developed in-house
Nearly 100 responses
Formative Evaluation
January, 2008
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Consultants:
Linda Norris &
Catherine
Harris
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Prototype tour, based on Linda Norris’ walkthrough
Focus groups (a total of 20 participants)
 Previous visitors
 “Non-visitors”
Feedback re:
 General strengths/weaknesses
 Tour content
 Participatory elements
 Tour route, flow & logistics
 Top 3 “take aways” (what was learned)
 Audience
 Priorities moving forward
Exhibit Development
Early designs
Early designs
A Collaborative Effort
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Design
Content development
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Script-writing
Interactive elements
Image
selection/acquisition/permis
sions
Artifact selection
Fabrication
Grand Re-Opening
June, 2009
Grand RE-Re-Opening
March, 2011
The New TR Inaugural Site
Experience it for yourself!
What did YOU think?