Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum

09/04/2021

Nicely done, Natalie!

A new generation learning about #FrancesPerkins. Natalie is a future worker - learning how to create a culture for the betterment of all! Today at the Frances Perkins Center in Damariscotta, Maine. Visit us Soon! www.FrancesPerkinsCenter.org

09/02/2021

In the presence of General Douglas MacArthur, General Yoshijirō Umezu signs surrender document for Japanese aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, September 2, 1945 #VJDay
📷: NPx 72-218(2)

In the presence of General Douglas MacArthur, General Yoshijirō Umezu signs surrender document for Japanese aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, September 2, 1945 #VJDay
📷: NPx 72-218(2)

09/01/2021

Rebroadcast: "Digital Research: How Data Shines a Light on Our Past"

Please enjoy today this rebroadcast of "Digital Research: How Data Shines a Light on Our Past."

The digitization of archival materials helps researchers uncover history that might otherwise be overlooked. Roosevelt Institute Morgenthau Scholar Dr. Abby Gondek talks to FDR Library Supervisory Archivist Kirsten Carter about how data visualizations from 3,000 letters from the public about the Emergency Refugee Center in Oswego, NY, reveal the US government’s response through the War Refugee Board to rescue refugees during the Holocaust.

To keep updated on our "At Home with the Roosevelts" programs, subscribe to the bi-weekly eNewsletter: https://bit.ly/3wITDpy

09/01/2021

Photos from Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site's post

08/28/2021

Photos from Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site's post

08/26/2021

Milton Greenwald of San Francisco, California made and sent this handmade pin to President Roosevelt in 1944. It depicts the President’s dog, Fala. The inscription on this pin refers to FDR’s campaign speech to the Teamster’s Union on September 23, 1944, in which he responded to Republican charges that federal money had been spent to send a destroyer to retrieve Fala after he was allegedly left behind by FDR on a Pacific island.

Learn more on our Digital Artifact Collection: https://fdr.artifacts.archives.gov/objects/11528

And read more about The Adventures of Fala, First Dog: The Case of the Dog Who Didn’t Bark on the Boat: https://fdr.blogs.archives.gov/2017/10/12/the-adventures-of-fala-first-dog-the-case-of-the-dog-who-didnt-bark-on-the-boat/

#NationalDogDay #NationalDogMonth

Milton Greenwald of San Francisco, California made and sent this handmade pin to President Roosevelt in 1944. It depicts the President’s dog, Fala. The inscription on this pin refers to FDR’s campaign speech to the Teamster’s Union on September 23, 1944, in which he responded to Republican charges that federal money had been spent to send a destroyer to retrieve Fala after he was allegedly left behind by FDR on a Pacific island.

Learn more on our Digital Artifact Collection: https://fdr.artifacts.archives.gov/objects/11528

And read more about The Adventures of Fala, First Dog: The Case of the Dog Who Didn’t Bark on the Boat: https://fdr.blogs.archives.gov/2017/10/12/the-adventures-of-fala-first-dog-the-case-of-the-dog-who-didnt-bark-on-the-boat/

#NationalDogDay #NationalDogMonth

08/25/2021

100 years ago today, Dr. Robert Lovett diagnosed FDR with infantile paralysis (i.e. polio). At that time, polio had no known cure and often resulted in full or partial paralysis and the erosion of one’s motor skills. Learn more on our website: https://www.fdrlibrary.org/polio

📷: NPx 48-65:1 - FDR assisted by his valet Leroy Jones and Dr. MacDonald, 1924, Marion, MA

100 years ago today, Dr. Robert Lovett diagnosed FDR with infantile paralysis (i.e. polio). At that time, polio had no known cure and often resulted in full or partial paralysis and the erosion of one’s motor skills. Learn more on our website: https://www.fdrlibrary.org/polio

📷: NPx 48-65:1 - FDR assisted by his valet Leroy Jones and Dr. MacDonald, 1924, Marion, MA

08/24/2021

Photos from Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site's post

08/23/2021

08/21/2021

Photos from Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site's post

08/21/2021

#EleanorRoosevelt #ThisIRemember #BooksbyER #NPSHydePark #FirstLady #HydeParkNY #ValKill

08/20/2021

#NationalRadioDay
FDR used this microphone to deliver some of his famous Fireside Chats from the White House during the 1930s. The design of the model 4-A-1 microphone, manufactured by RCA Victor in the early 1930s, represented the state-of-the-art at the time and was a workhorse in the broadcast industry until it was supplanted by the model 44, and later the 77 ribbon velocity types. It is commonly called the RCA "box camera". Learn more on our Digital Artifact Collection: https://fdr.artifacts.archives.gov/objects/13208

Franklin Roosevelt was a master of radio- the greatest mass medium of the 1930s and 1940s. His famous radio “Fireside Chats" were major media events that attracted tens of millions of listeners. Find out how FDR used the radio to forge a powerful connection with the American public from Supervisory Curator Herman Eberhardt. Watch here: https://fb.watch/7unNrDaakm/

08/18/2021

Facebook Premiere: "Museum Collection - FDR's Ship Models"

Facebook Premiere:
"Museum Collection - FDR's Ship Models"
Wednesday, August 18, 2PM ET
LINK: https://www.facebook.com/fdrlibrary/videos

Director Paul Sparrow leads a special tour inside the FDR Library's Behind the Scenes storage area where FDR's priceless collection of rare ship models is kept. Join us here on Facebook on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at 2PM.

08/14/2021

On August 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act, a monumental piece of legislation that forever changed the relationship between the federal government and the American people: http://www.parelorentzcenter.org/our-plain-duty
📷: NPx 53-227(18)

On August 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act, a monumental piece of legislation that forever changed the relationship between the federal government and the American people: http://www.parelorentzcenter.org/our-plain-duty
📷: NPx 53-227(18)

08/13/2021

#NationalDogMonth
This White House dog tag belonged to President Roosevelt’s dog, Fala. FDR had a lifelong affection for pets. The best known was Fala, a Scottish terrier given to him by his distant cousin, Margaret “Daisy” Suckley, in 1940. During World War II, Fala became Roosevelt’s constant companion and the most famous dog in America. Learn more on our Digital Artifact Collection: https://fdr.artifacts.archives.gov/objects/4106

📷: NPx 59-109: FDR and Fala in the White House study, 12/20/1941

08/12/2021

In this issue of #AtHomeWithTheRoosevelts: Museum is Open with Online Ticket Sales Only, FDR's Ship Models Behind the Scenes, the President's Gift for Radio, Fala's White House Credentials, FDR & Polio, Summer Stargazing, Social Security Turns 86.

https://conta.cc/3iDp3sm

In this issue of #AtHomeWithTheRoosevelts: Museum is Open with Online Ticket Sales Only, FDR's Ship Models Behind the Scenes, the President's Gift for Radio, Fala's White House Credentials, FDR & Polio, Summer Stargazing, Social Security Turns 86.

https://conta.cc/3iDp3sm

08/10/2021

FDR and Polio - FDR Presidential Library & Museum

100 years ago today, FDR was enjoying a day of sailing on his yacht when he suddenly fell overboard into the icy waters of the Bay of Fundy, which ironically felt paralyzing to his body. The following day, FDR complained of lower back pain and went for a swim in hopes to ease the soreness. As the day progressed, he could feel his legs becoming weaker and by the third day, he could no longer hold his own weight. His skin quickly became very sensitive and eventually even a slight breeze across his body caused great distress.

Eleanor, who couldn’t bear to see her husband in such anguish, began to contact a handful of doctors, hoping one of them would be able to find a remedy to his unknown infirmity. One of these doctors was Dr. Keen who insisted the issue stemmed from a blood clot located in the lower spinal cord and recommended that he receive lumbar massages daily in order to help circulation. Days later, FDR was notified by Dr. Keen that his earlier diagnosis was incorrect and instead he claimed the distress was being caused by spinal lesion. The massage therapy continued but did not prove to be successful in curing the paralysis.

It would be weeks before he had a diagnosis: Infantile Paralysis (i.e. polio). Learn more on our website: https://www.fdrlibrary.org/polio

Franklin D. Roosevelt was the 32nd President of the United States. Not only did he serve an unprecedented four terms in office, but he was also the first president with a significant physical disability. FDR was diagnosed with infantile paralysis, better known as polio, in 1921, at the age of 39. ...

08/10/2021

August 9-12, 1941: A MEETING IN THE ATLANTIC
“At last—we’ve gotten together.”
- Franklin Roosevelt to Winston Churchill, August 9, 1941

At 11 am on a foggy August morning, Prime Minister Winston Churchill and President Franklin Roosevelt shook hands on the deck of an American warship off the coast of Newfoundland. Arranged in secrecy, their meeting took place at a dire moment for Great Britain.

Two years after World War II erupted, most of Europe was under N**i control. In the east, German armies threatened to overrun the Soviet Union. In the west, German bombers pounded Britain’s cities while U-boats attacked its vital supply lines in the Atlantic.

An ocean away from these troubles, America was at peace. But FDR knew N**i Germany posed a mortal threat to the United States. Roosevelt had done all he could—in the face of strong isolationist opposition—to assist Britain. Now, the President was making a powerful signal of support. The meeting—later christened the Atlantic Conference—was also an opportunity for him and Churchill to assess each other. They quickly established a warm rapport. During four days of talks they produced the Atlantic Charter—a bold proclamation of shared national values. The conference included an emotional religious service aboard the HMS Prince of Wales attended by the two leaders and hundreds of British and American sailors. Carefully documented by photographers, it provided inspiring images of solidarity between their nations.

In January 1941, a low point in the war for Great Britain, FDR sent Churchill a note of encouragement that included verses from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem, The Building of the Ship. The Prime Minister had the verses reproduced in a limited set of lithographs. He brought two copies to the Atlantic Conference to be signed by him and the President. This is President Roosevelt’s copy. Learn more: https://fdr.artifacts.archives.gov/objects/26513

This poster promoting the Atlantic Charter was produced shortly after the Atlantic Conference by The Minutemen of America Incorporated, an organization that advocated for American support of Great Britain in the war. Learn more: https://fdr.artifacts.archives.gov/objects/15495

📷: NPx 48-22:3616(16); NPx 48-22:3713(61); NPx 48-22:3713(60)

08/04/2021

Facebook Premiere: "Museum Collection - FDR's Wheelchair"

Facebook Premiere:
"Museum Collection - FDR's Wheelchair"
Wednesday, August 4, 2PM ET
LINK: https://bit.ly/3xvjNLR

One hundred years ago this August, Franklin Roosevelt was stricken with polio and permanently paralyzed below the waist. Join Supervisory Curator Herman Eberhardt for a special program about FDR's disability that includes one of the President's wheelchairs and a set of his steel leg braces. Join us here on Facebook on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at 2PM.

08/03/2021

FDR on the "Half Moon" eating watermelon with friends, 1906.
📷: NPx 80-163(7)
#NationalWatermelonDay

FDR on the "Half Moon" eating watermelon with friends, 1906.
📷: NPx 80-163(7)
#NationalWatermelonDay

07/30/2021

#MarchOfDimes Junior officers at the San Diego Naval Air Station converted an aerial practice bomb into this coin bank, filled it with $15 in dimes for polio research, and presented it to President Roosevelt as a birthday gift on January 30, 1942.

FDR created the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis (which became known as the March of Dimes) in 1938 to support the polio rehabilitation center he had established in Warm Springs, Georgia and aid polio victims around the nation. The Foundation urged Americans to send their loose change to the President in a “march of dimes.” The March of Dimes supported the research and development of a polio vaccine by Jonas Salk in 1955 that eradicated the disease throughout most of the world.

Learn more on our Digital Artifact Collection: https://fdr.artifacts.archives.gov/objects/2250

#MarchOfDimes Junior officers at the San Diego Naval Air Station converted an aerial practice bomb into this coin bank, filled it with $15 in dimes for polio research, and presented it to President Roosevelt as a birthday gift on January 30, 1942.

FDR created the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis (which became known as the March of Dimes) in 1938 to support the polio rehabilitation center he had established in Warm Springs, Georgia and aid polio victims around the nation. The Foundation urged Americans to send their loose change to the President in a “march of dimes.” The March of Dimes supported the research and development of a polio vaccine by Jonas Salk in 1955 that eradicated the disease throughout most of the world.

Learn more on our Digital Artifact Collection: https://fdr.artifacts.archives.gov/objects/2250

07/29/2021

In this issue of #AtHomeWithTheRoosevelts: The Museum is Open, FDR's Wheelchair, James Tobin on FDR and Polio, the March of Dimes, a Camping Summer Activity, the Atlantic Charter, FDR in Warm Springs. #ArchivesAtHome #MuseumFromHome

https://conta.cc/3rFwaTQ

In this issue of #AtHomeWithTheRoosevelts: The Museum is Open, FDR's Wheelchair, James Tobin on FDR and Polio, the March of Dimes, a Camping Summer Activity, the Atlantic Charter, FDR in Warm Springs. #ArchivesAtHome #MuseumFromHome

https://conta.cc/3rFwaTQ

07/27/2021

The FDR Library research room will begin limited, appointment-only research hours during August 2021. Please visit our website for more information on the new procedures and how to request an appointment: https://www.fdrlibrary.org/research-visit.

The FDR Library research room will begin limited, appointment-only research hours during August 2021. Please visit our website for more information on the new procedures and how to request an appointment: https://www.fdrlibrary.org/research-visit.

07/26/2021

In his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention in 1944, President Roosevelt made it clear he would not campaign in the usual manner. "In these days of tragic sorrow, I do not consider it fitting," he asserted. "And besides in these days of global warfare, I shall not be able to find the time." Of course, FDR understood the political value of publicly displaying his role as commander in chief. A prime opportunity came in late July when the President boarded a warship bound for Hawaii to meet with General Douglas MacArthur and Admiral Chester Nimitz.

The meeting was organized to end a dispute. By July 1944, forces had pushed deep into Japan's empire. In the South Pacific, MacArthur was poised to liberate the Philippines. Nimitz had battle his way across the Central Pacific and would soon control the Mariana Islands - where air bases would make it possible to bomb Japan. Nimitz wanted to bypass the Philippines and focus American efforts on the Central Pacific. But MacArthur was single-minded in his desire to "return" to the Philippines.

On July 26, FDR arrived to settle the matter. After he and the two feuding leaders smiled for the cameras, they made their cases to the President. In the end, FDR resolved the conflict by authorizing a continued advance on both fronts. On July 29, he departed for the mainland, where news photos depicted a confident commander in chief conferring with his two favorite subordinates.

📷: NPx 48-22:3868(476)
FDR poses with General Douglas MacArthur and Admiral Chester Nimitz aboard the USS Baltimore shortly after his arrival in Hawaii, July 26, 1944

📷: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/197116
FDR reviews military strategy with Admiral Chester Nimitz (standing), General Douglas MacArthur (left) and Admiral William Leahy (right), July 28, 1944

📷: NPx 66-103 (58)
Wounded soldiers from the fighting on Saipan are carried to FDR’s car to meet the President, July 29, 1944

#FinalCampaign