Florence Harriman, Diplomat

Portrait of Florence Harriman, ca. 1920s In 1937, President Roosevelt appointed Florence Jaffray Harriman (1870-1967) as United States' Minister to Norway. A founder of the Women's National Democratic Club and active in the Democratic National Committee, Harriman was related through marriage to W. Averell Harriman, future adviser to the President and governor of New York. … Continue reading Florence Harriman, Diplomat

A Veterans Day to Remember: 11/11/42

By Paul Sparrow, Director, FDR Library.   Every year on November 11th people all over the world honor and thank those who served their country. Today in the United States November 11th is known as Veterans Day, but until 1954 it was Armistice Day, honoring the millions who had served or been killed in World … Continue reading A Veterans Day to Remember: 11/11/42

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

This Week in Roosevelt History: September 15-21

September 16, 1940: FDR signed into law the Selective Training and Service Act, which set up the first peacetime military draft in U.S. history. First drawing of the Selective Service. October 29, 1940 FDR Library Photo Collection. NPx. 48-22:3712(32). ********** Did you know: On September 20, 1940 FDR signed a tax act designed to raise … Continue reading This Week in Roosevelt History: September 15-21

This Week in Roosevelt History: September 1-7

September 3, 1940: FDR approves the “destroyers for bases” deal with Great Britain.  Through this deal, the United States transferred destroyers to the British Navy in exchange for leases for British naval and air bases. ********** Did you know: On September 1, 1937, FDR signed the National Housing Act establishing the U.S. Housing Authority. On … Continue reading This Week in Roosevelt History: September 1-7

This Week in Roosevelt History: August 1-7

August 6, 1918: FDR finds himself under fire on the Verdun front with General de Haye. FDR at La Citadelle in Verdun, France. August 6, 1918 FDR Library Photo Collection. NPx. 47-96:4802(83). ********** Did you know: On August 1, 1933, the NRA blue eagle made its official appearance. On August 2, 1939 FDR signed the … Continue reading This Week in Roosevelt History: August 1-7

This Week in Roosevelt History: July 15-21

July 18, 1940: FDR was nominated for an unprecedented third term as president. ER addressing the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. July 18, 1940 FDR Library Photo Collection. NPx. 69-96. ********** Did you know: On July 18, 1939 FDR released a public statement on the necessity of revision of the neutrality laws, saying that failure … Continue reading This Week in Roosevelt History: July 15-21