Visits to the Roosevelt Library and Museum at Hyde Park and Storm King Sculpture Park with Lunch at The Culinary Institute of America

* The Franklin D. Roosevelt Library in Hyde Park is the first presidential library built in the United States. It was conceived and built under the direction of President Roosevelt from 1939 to 1940.  It contains historical papers, books and memorabilia he had accumulated during a lifetime of public service and private collecting. By his actions, Roosevelt ensured that his papers would become the property of the nation and made available to scholars and visitors from around the world. His actions served as a precedent that prompted the Congress to pass the Presidential Libraries Act in 1955.

* Storm King Art Center in Mountainville NY is an open air museum which has extended the concept of a “sculpture garden” to become a sculpture “landscape.”  Founded in 1960 as a museum for Hudson Valley painters is soon expanded into a major sculpture venue.  A permanent collection of monumental works has been sited in grand outdoor “rooms.”  There is a core collection of pieces by modern masters such as Alexander Calder, David Smith, Sol Lewitt, Roy Lichtenstein and Maya Lin.

* The Culinary Institute of America.  According to Paul Bocuse, world-renowned French chef, “It’s the best culinary school in the world.”