LGBTQ+ History: Eleanor Roosevelt and Val-Kill

“The people I love mean more to me than all the public things even if you do think that public affairs should be my chief vocation. I only do the public things because I really love all people, and I only love all people because there are a few people whom I love dearly and who matter to me above everything else.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

During Eleanor Roosevelt’s lifetime, most LGBTQ+ people lived their lives quietly or in secret, and history has often obscured details about sexuality and gender expression in its accounts of famous LGBTQ+ lives. But at Eleanor’s home at Val-Kill, she surrounded herself with influential women that today we recognize as lesbian. These women, including Nancy Cook, Marion Dickerman, Esther Lape, Elizabeth Read, and Lorena Hickok, played an important role not only in Eleanor’s personal life, but in her political development and activism.

Join us for a ranger talk from Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site at her home, Val-Kill, to learn more about Eleanor and the women who helped shape her career.

This program takes place on Zoom and registration is required. Click here to register.

This program is presented in collaboration with the Dobbs Ferry, Greenburgh, Lewisboro, Ruth Keeler Memorial, and Town of Pelham Public Libraries.