“I Have Returned!” – General MacArthur and FDR

By Paul M. Sparrow, Director, FDR Library. On Oct. 20, 1944 Gen. Douglas MacArthur waded ashore on Leyte Island in the Philippines and fulfilled his promise to return. The charismatic and dashing General was one of the most famous American military leaders in the world and his dramatic return to his beloved Philippines was a … Continue reading “I Have Returned!” – General MacArthur and FDR

It’s Time to put Eleanor Roosevelt on the $10 bill

By Paul M. Sparrow, Director, FDR Library. The many faces that grace American currency are all men. Most of them are presidents who made great contributions to the history of the United States. But they represent only 50% of our population. The Secretary of the Treasury, Mr. Jacob Lew, has started a public conversation about … Continue reading It’s Time to put Eleanor Roosevelt on the $10 bill

Defending Fala – A Lesson in Effective Campaigning

By Paul Sparrow, Director, FDR Library. As we enter into the quadrennial campaign for the White House, it is informative to look back at one of Franklin Roosevelt’s most memorable campaign moments. There were many, as he was a ferocious campaigner who loved being on the hustings, but one of the most effective concerned his … Continue reading Defending Fala – A Lesson in Effective Campaigning

FDR, Christianity and the environment

By Paul M. Sparrow, Director, FDR Library. Few people realize what an environmental advocate Franklin D. Roosevelt truly was. Or how frequently he invoked the Bible in his speeches. Ronald Isetti in his article “The Moneychangers of the Temple: FDR, American Civil Religion, and the New Deal:” states that “Few presidents employed biblical symbols, religious … Continue reading FDR, Christianity and the environment

August 14: A Day of Two Anniversaries

By Paul M. Sparrow, Director, FDR Library. August 14th is a very significant day in the legacy of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Two of the most important and lasting achievements of his presidency occurred on this day - ten years apart. The Social Security Act was enacted on August 14th, 1935, and the official end of World … Continue reading August 14: A Day of Two Anniversaries

Happy Mother’s Day

This Mother's Day we celebrate two of the mothers in FDR's life - Sara and Eleanor. Happy Mother's Day - To FDR? In 1940, FDR and his mother, Sara Delano Roosevelt, celebrated Mother’s Day in an unconventional manner—she gave her son a gift! This role reversal was connected to the creation of the Roosevelt Library. … Continue reading Happy Mother’s Day

New Special Exhibit Opening at the Roosevelt Library

On Saturday, April 25, museum visitors will be able to experience a brand new special exhibit at the Roosevelt Library. The exhibit, titled The Spirit of the Gift: Gifts of State and Affection, features nearly 100 impressive and unusual presidential gifts given to FDR. The exhibit’s title is taken from President Roosevelt’s First Inaugural Address, in … Continue reading New Special Exhibit Opening at the Roosevelt Library

Remembering FDR

One of the best things that can happen at the Roosevelt Library is when a member of the public makes a personal connection with one of the artifacts or documents on display in our Museum. Such an encounter occurred just this week— and, by chance, it relates directly to the 70th anniversary of President Roosevelt’s … Continue reading Remembering FDR