Protecting a Piece of History: Kennedy Announces NPS Approves Long Overdue Funding for Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site

After Months of Advocacy, the National Park Service Approved the Buffalo Landmark's Full 2026 Operating Funds, Resolving a Gap that Put Bills and Payroll at Risk

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) announced today that the National Park Service (NPS) has informed his office that it has approved the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site's overdue 2026 operating funds, resolving a monthslong void that had left the Buffalo landmark as the only NPS site in the country without its funding this year. Kennedy has been working closely with the site and its leadership for months to press the agency to release the roughly $300,000 in funding, which covers about a third of the site's annual operating budget.

"The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site is one of Buffalo's greatest historic treasures, and its leadership should never be forced to consider shutting its doors for lack of funding," said Congressman Kennedy. "I'm glad the National Park Service is finally releasing the delayed funding this site is owed, and I'm grateful to Spencer Morgan and the entire team at the Inaugural Site for their partnership and professionalism throughout this fight. This is a win for Buffalo, for Western New York, and for everyone who believes our nation's history deserves to be preserved and shared with future generations."

The Wilcox Mansion, where Roosevelt took the oath of office in 1901 following President William McKinley's assassination in Buffalo, relies on its annual NPS grant to cover staff salaries, utilities, and day-to-day operations. The site also offers free field trips to students, serves as an early voting location, and welcomes thousands of visitors each year. Kennedy said he will continue working with the site to address its longer-term needs.

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