The Birthplace

The only New York Historical Site open to the public on Long Island, the Walt Whitman Birthplace is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Built circa 1819 by Walter Whitman, the poet’s father, the house, simple in line and pleasing in proportion, is a fine example of native Long Island craftsmanship.

Constructed by hand-hewn beams that are held together with wooden pegs and laid on whole tree trunks supported by a foundation of small boulders, it is notable for several unusual architectural features. The corbelled chimney and the storage closets in the fireplace walls are innovative for their place and time. The large, twelve over eight pane windows provide light, air, and a rare note of elegance in this country farm house.

Much of the glass in the windows is original, as are many of the hinges and other hardware. Architectural historians have noted the slanted wainscoting of the staircase walls, and the staircase itself is unusual-topped with a short riser--a feature also found in another Whitman house in the West Hills area.The Poet

Though he left his birthplace at an early age, Walt Whitman returned to the West Hills region often, and, in his old age, claimed to have “incorporated” Long Island into himself. From this incorporation came a poetry that expressed the values and virtues as well as the desires and hopes of a democratic people. Starting from “fish shaped Paumanok,” as Whitman called Long Island using its Native American name, he became the poet of all the people. His Leaves of Grass now stands among the masterpieces of world literature and continues to inspire others to the self-realization that was his life-long goal. The Interpretive Center

At the Interpretive Center, visitors can delve into Whitman’s life and poetry through a series of engaging exhibits that trace the poet’s development from his boyhood on Long Island to his international prominence as one of our country’s greatest visionaries. The exhibits incorporate over 130 portraits of Walt Whitman, as well as original letters, manuscripts, and artifacts. Among the exhibit’s most important artifacts are a writing desk used by Whitman as a young school teacher on Long Island, a first edition of his epic book of poetry, Leaves of Grass, and his autobiographical work, Specimen Days. The Interpretive Center also houses a library, a museum shop, a multimedia area, including a video and Whitman’s voice on tape and a large classroom with hands-on activities.

The Walt Whitman Birthplace, c. 1819, offers students an interdisciplinary historical and literary experience. Programs relate directly to NYS Social Studies curriculum and enables students to develop a greater knowledge and appreciation of American and Long Island history. As both a literary house and museum, we are uniquely capable of evoking “a sense of place” rooted in Long Island’s history and culture. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills and enhance their creativity by actually producing poetry.

School Programs

Our Interpretive Center at the Walt Whitman Birthplace offers an extensive exhibit area and classroom space for your students.