From the Museum

Eleanor Roosevelt's Engagement Ring (MO 1974.375)   On November 22, 1903, 21-year-old Franklin Roosevelt asked 19-year-old Eleanor Roosevelt to be his wife. Eleanor accepted, but Franklin’s mother, Sara, opposed the match, believing her son was too young to marry. She convinced the couple to keep their engagement secret for a year—hoping their ardor would cool. … Continue reading From the Museum

Found in the Archives – Road Trip!

The New Deal is all around us!!! On a recent trip to New England, a Roosevelt Library staff member couldn't help but notice the enduring and ubiquitous legacy of the New Deal all around. While walking in the Brown University section of Providence, Rhode Island, a simple glance downward discovered a brass marker embedded into … Continue reading Found in the Archives – Road Trip!

From the Museum

FDR Quarterback Postcard (MO 1976.47)   Like other presidents, FDR sometimes used sports analogies to help explain his political and economic agenda. During a press conference on April 19, 1933—just six weeks after he entered office— FDR likened himself to a football quarterback when he responded to a question about his administration’s evolving policy on … Continue reading From the Museum

Eleanor Roosevelt – My Day: October 1-7

October 2, 1951 "NEW YORK, Monday...A verse in the Bible we very seldom hear was used as a text in the morning sermon. Evidently back in Bible days there were people who thought the "good old days" were better than the present. This must always have been a way of escape for some of us. … Continue reading Eleanor Roosevelt – My Day: October 1-7

Found in the Archives

In 1960 Eleanor Roosevelt strongly supported Adlai Stevenson and encouraged him to seek the Democratic Party's nomination for President. That year, however, the Party pinned their hopes on a promising fresh face, and the nomination went to John F. Kennedy. Eleanor had some reservations about JFK, but she supported his bid for president after he … Continue reading Found in the Archives

Found in the Archives

From Trixie to Queen Beatrix     Bravely waiting until the last moment, the Royal Family of the Netherlands barely escaped Hitler's clutches as the German armies swept through their homeland in May 1940. Queen Wilhelmina set up residence in London, while Princess Juliana and her family came to North America, splitting their time between … Continue reading Found in the Archives

This Week in Roosevelt History: September 22-30

September 23, 1944: FDR gives a campaign speech to the Teamsters Union denouncing Republican attacks that he had sent a U.S. Navy destroyer to retrieve his dog Fala after leaving him behind on the Aleutian Islands. Franklin D. Roosevelt in the Quonset hut mess hall in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska. August 3, 1944 FDR Library … Continue reading This Week in Roosevelt History: September 22-30

Eleanor Roosevlet – My Day: September 22-30

September 22, 1942 "NEW YORK, Monday—...After writing my column yesterday, I began to think about how people, who have never been in public life, little know about the everyday things involved in living not as one chooses, but as one must. Those of us who have lived in government houses know that no government house … Continue reading Eleanor Roosevlet – My Day: September 22-30

Eleanor Roosevelt – My Day: September 15-21

September 18, 1946 "NEW YORK, Tuesday—I have just finished reading a novel called "Mr. Adam" by Pat Frank. It is inspired by our new ability to destroy, and deals with the numerous things that may develop from the power that we can now unleash. It is pure imagination, but there is just enough possibility that … Continue reading Eleanor Roosevelt – My Day: September 15-21