Renovation of Sagamore Hill brings portion of Theodore Roosevelt's private collection to the National Firearms Museum

There's something special at the NRA on Presidents Day.

Above is the iconic hat worn by the Rough Riders — a group of cowboys, prospectors and hunters from the American southwest who answered President McKinley's call for volunteers to serve in the Spanish-American War. As a matter of fact, it's the hat worn by Teddy Roosevelt. While Roosevelt's home (known as Sagamore Hill) is under renovation, that hat and more will reside here at the National Firearms Museum.

"President Roosevelt was a world-class hunter, adventurer and Life Member of the National Rifle Association," said National Firearms Museum Director Jim Supica. "It's an honor to provide a home for these wonderful pieces of history."

Starting with his days as a Dakota Cowboy and going all the way through his famed expedition of the Amazon River, the portion of Sagamore Hill's collection entrusted to the museum ranges from the obscure to the mundane. There's a rug made from the skin of an African lion, prints and paintings, an assortment of rifles and clothing worn by the man.

Personally, it's the New York Governor's chair that stood out for me. But that's before I had the chance to truly take it all in.

For the rest of the crowd it might be the Scott Sons .4 gauge shotgun, Roosevelt’s naval cloak, the elephant foot wastebasket or the Rough Rider coat. With almost a hundred different items to choose from, we’re sure there’s something that will tickle your fancy.

Although finalizing the layout will take a little time, we’ll be sure to let you know when the Roosevelt Exhibit officially opens. And the good news is there’s even more to come. Who knows? With a little bit of luck, we might even get ‘The Big Stick’.