Arent grew up in a hallehuis, a Dutch farmhouse combining home and barn. Excavations at the Flatts reveal similar features—cellars, structural upgrades, and artifacts—matching his 1643 description and rising prosperity.

Franklin D. Roosevelt Jr. (1914–1988) was an American naval officer, lawyer, and politician, and the son of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt. A decorated World War II veteran, he later served four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and held a senior post in the U.S. Department of Commerce.

By 1648, Arent van Curler traded Edward Bird pipes and custom firearms at the Flatts. Excavations reveal over 125 EB pipes and evidence of on-site gun assembly, repair, and Native trade.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882–1945), the 32nd President of the United States, led the nation through the Great Depression and most of World War II. Serving four terms, he created the New Deal programs to revive the economy and played a central role in the Allied victory during the war.

In 1651, Captain Slijter called Arent van Curler’s Flatts the best farm in the Colonie—44 morgens of rich land, fine horses, thriving cattle, and Dutch tools unearthed centuries later.

Elliott Roosevelt (1910–1990) was an American military officer, businessman, and author, and the son of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army Air Forces, rising to brigadier general and working in reconnaissance, intelligence, and international wartime coordination.

In 1643, Arent van Curler farmed the Flatts but dreamed of land beyond the pines. By 1660, he founded Schenectady; the Flatts later passed to Philip Schuyler.

Ellen Roosevelt (1868–1954) was an early American tennis champion and cousin of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. She won the U.S. Women’s Singles Championship in 1890 and also captured the women’s doubles title with her sister Grace Roosevelt.

In 1644, Arent van Curler delayed his return to New Netherland, securing a six-year lease to the Flatts. There, he built a thriving farm—despite wolves, runaway pigs, and hard decisions.

Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962) was a transformative First Lady of the United States, humanitarian, and diplomat. As the wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, she championed civil rights, women’s equality, and social reform, later helping draft the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights.