<p>The $40 million restoration project took 3 years to complete and now the public can enjoy the newly restored Theodore Roosevelt Memorial and Jill and Lewis Bernard Family Hall of North American Mammals.<br /><br />Theodore Roosevelt was New York State’s 33rd Governor and the nation’s 26th President.<br /><br />Theodore Roosevelt’s presence can be felt throughout the museum, from the Central Park West façade to the Theodore Roosevelt rotunda to the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Hall, which was built in a grand Roman style between 1929 and 1935.<br /><br />It’s only natural that TR’s official memorial, and brand new statue, are located in the American Natural History Museum, given his close association with the institution and his passion for science.<br /><br />Theodore’s father helped found the museum. The original charter creating the museum was even signed in the Roosevelt family home in 1869.<br /><br />The Hall of North American Mammals first opened to the public in 1942 with 10 dioramas depicting North America’s natural wonders.<br /><br />TR was a life-long explorer, naturalist and conservation enthusiast.<br /><br />He was a leader in the American conservation movement.<br /><br />During his life he placed nearly 230 million acres under federal protection.<br /><br />He also set aside five national parks, four game preserves, 51 bird refuges, and 18 national monuments.<br /><br />The Central Park West façade was cleaned top to bottom and given brand new energy efficient exterior lighting!<br /><br />The three large colorful murals, found in the Theodore Roosevelt Rotunda, depicting milestones from his public life, were beautifully restored to their original glory.</p>
