FDR's Bedside Note In the early morning hours of September 1, 1939, President Roosevelt was awakened in his bedroom at the White House by a telephone call from his Ambassador in Paris, William C. Bullitt, who advised the President that Germany had invaded Poland and that several Polish cities were being bombed. After FDR gave … Continue reading Found in the Archives
Einstein Letter In the summer of 1939, a group of physicists, including several who had fled Hitler’s Germany, met to discuss their fears of Germany developing a uranium-based weapon. It was decided that the best course of action was to inform President Roosevelt immediately of their concerns. Because Albert Einstein had a previous personal relationship … Continue reading Found in the Archives
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
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!
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
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
October 5, 1937: FDR gives a campaign speech in Chicago calling for a “quarantine” of the aggressor nations. ********** Did you know: On October 7, 1942 FDR announced his plan to try war criminals after the war. On October 5, 1944 FDR called for an end of poll taxes during a radio address.
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
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
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
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