3. There is a Statue Dedicated to Eleanor Roosevelt in Riverside Park

 Eleanoere Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt was the wife of 32nd president of the United States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The former first lady was born in 1884 to a prominent New York family, but was orphaned at 10 when both of her parents died within two years of each other. Despite these hardships, she grew up to become both the First Lady of New York and the First Lady of the United States. Roosevelt was involved in a number of important organizations in her lifetime including the League of Women Voters, the American Red Cross and the Women’s Trade Union League.

Her statue was designed by Penelope Jencks and was dedicated on October 5, 1996 in the presence of Hillary Clinton, who was first lady at the time. The words engraved on the statue are famous quotes from both Roosevelt and Adlai Stevenson, including a quote by Roosevelt about the importance of human rights and equality.

Did you know there are no statues of real women in Central Park? There’s a movement to change that. Also check out the Roosevelt family houses in NYC and surrounding area.