Public Programs News & Events

As we’re nearing the last days of January the National Archives staff — along with our friends at the National Park Service — prepares to celebrate Franklin D. Roosevelt’s birthday on January 30th. At 3:00 p.m. the National Park Service will hold a Rose Garden Ceremony and, following the ceremony, the FDR Presidential Library will invite attendees to return to the Wallace Center for birthday cake and refreshments. This reception is always a wonderful opportunity to meet with community members, Roosevelt admirers and visitors from all over the world.

In February we’ll be hosting a special afternoon of events on Saturday the 18th to commemorate Presidents Day Weekend. The FDR Presidential Library will host an author talk and book signing at 2:00 p.m. with Washington College Professor of History Richard Striner, author of “Lincoln’s Way: How Six Great Presidents Created American Power.”

Following the book talk members of the Library’s archives staff will display original documents from the Roosevelt Library archives bearing the signatures of many of our nation’s Presidents including: Thomas Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt, Harry Truman and John F. Kennedy. Over 30 signatures will be on display — most of which were collected by Franklin Roosevelt himself. There will also be a video presentation and family-friendly activities relating to presidential history courtesy of the Library’s education department.

The Public Programs department strives to offer a host of innovative programs and events for the general public each year here at Roosevelt Library. These events include author talks and book signings, lectures, conferences and panel discussions, historical encampments, films and music programs grounded in the Roosevelt era. The Library is able to develop, publicize, and implement this full calendar of popular public programs through the financial support of Roosevelt Institute.

 

Programs include the late winter Eleanor Roosevelt Forums with Catharine Street Community Center in Poughkeepsie, New York; President’s Day Weekend events; the Memorial Day Weekend “USO Show” and World War II Living History Encampment; the Roosevelt Reading Festival — featuring 15-20 authors of recently published books based on research at the Roosevelt Library; a fall panel series exploring historical themes from the Roosevelt era and their relevance today; and Holiday Open House events in December.

 

Public Programs staff also oversees the “facility use” of the Library, Wallace Center and grounds; the volunteer and internship programs; and all public and media relations for the Library.