At the heart of the Historic Station Building at Oyster Bay Railroad Museum, visitors will find a special exhibit exploring the remarkable connection between Theodore Roosevelt and the Long Island Rail Road. The exhibit is fittingly located at the station that served as Roosevelt’s home train station during his presidency, offering a glimpse into the important role the railroad played in his life, travels, and public career.

Through 12 informative panels featuring historic photographs and stories, the exhibit follows Roosevelt’s important life moments when he traveled through the station and used the railroad as a platform for connecting with the American public. Visitors can see photographs of Roosevelt at the station, including images of him delivering speeches from the rear platform of observation cars, where crowds gathered to catch a glimpse of the president as he traveled across the country.

The exhibit also highlights several of Roosevelt’s most notable journeys, including his 1903 train trip through the American West and his 1906 visit to the construction site of the Panama Canal, offering a fascinating look at how rail travel helped shape the way presidents traveled and communicated with the public during the early 20th century. The story also includes Roosevelt’s unexpected connection to Roxey, the Long Island Rail Road’s beloved mascot, adding a lighter and more personal element to the exhibit.

Together, the panels provide a unique perspective on Theodore Roosevelt—not only as a president and one of Oyster Bay’s most famous residents, but as a traveler, speaker, and familiar presence at the local train station. The exhibit offers visitors an opportunity to discover how the railroad connected Roosevelt to the people, places, and events that shaped his presidency, while exploring the fascinating history of a station that was an important part of his life.