William A. Harris, Director Above: The former First Lady preparing for radio remarks marking the end of World War II, August 19, 1945. (Library of Congress) August 1945 was a month crowded with history. Though Eleanor Roosevelt had famously remarked after FDR's death that "the story is over," her busy summer and multiple radio appearances … Continue reading The Atom Bomb and V-J Day: Eleanor Roosevelt and the End of World War II, August 1945
by William A. Harris, Director Draped in a snow-white fox stole, Eleanor Roosevelt beams with a birthday corsage, 1939. The FDR Library collection continues to surprise us with its richness and variety. Last week, while conducting one of our annual inventories, we were reminded of an unusual item in the archives, an original leaf from … Continue reading The Roosevelts, a Broadway Producer, and the Gutenberg Bible
Above, FDR 1944. Last night, the Library participated in a White House Historical Association program focused on FDR and V-E Day. Victory in Europe Day isn't often discussed in detail here at the Library. We leave that day to the Truman Library. But FDR played a major role in shaping V-E Day and the way … Continue reading FDR and V-E Day
In 2024 we expect and receive nearly instantaneous information about current events and happenings from a multiplicity of sources. Many people find it hard to believe that not too far in the past one relied upon a handful of radio and television stations, newspapers and magazines for news. This was certainly true in 1944 at … Continue reading D-Day and Radio News-A Different Perspective
by William A. Harris, Director King George VI (MO 1975.90a) and his wife Queen Elizabeth (MO 1975.90b) by Frank Ernest Beresford, 1937, FDR Library. Saturday, May 6th, marks the coronation of King Charles III in London. In 1937, FDR was invited to the crowning of King George VI, the current king's grandfather, the main event in … Continue reading The Coronation of King George VI, May 12, 1937
by William A. Harris, Deputy Director Eleanor Roosevelt prepares for the first broadcast of her new NBC radio series, April 30, 1940. (Harris and Ewing Collection, Library of Congress) On April 30, 1940, with little fanfare, Eleanor Roosevelt commenced a new, commercial radio series on NBC. It is hard to imagine in this media era … Continue reading Eleanor Roosevelt’s Own Program, April 30, 1940
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