FDR and Housing Legislation September 1, 2012 marked the 75th anniversary of the Wagner-Steagall Housing Act, a piece of late-New Deal legislation that reflected the government’s recognition of adequate housing as an important societal need. This law established the United States Housing Authority (USHA), which provided $500 million in loans for low-cost housing projects across … Continue reading Found in the Archives
Summer is coming to an end and the Roosevelt Library is back in the swing of things with public programs. The Pare Lorentz Center at the FDR Presidential Library presented "Documentary Film: Then and Now" a documentary film festival on Saturday, August 18, 2012. The program opened with screenings of two groundbreaking films by Roosevelt-era … Continue reading Public Programs News and Events
Summertime in Hyde Park "All that is within me cries out to go back to my home on the Hudson River" - Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1944 Springwood Springwood, FDR’s childhood home, was often called Roosevelt’s “Summer White House.” Owned by his mother Sara until her death in 1941, the property remained Roosevelt’s home throughout his … Continue reading From the Museum
Katherine Sardino There is something about working at the FDR Library that is addictive. There is a reason why so many of its staff members are former interns who just could not leave. I am no exception. The objects, the projects, the history, and the camaraderie of the staff keep you coming back for more. … Continue reading Staff Perspectives
Social Security Placard (MO 2012.2.4) Soon after its enactment, FDR began working to expand Social Security. Congress ignored his calls to open coverage to farm and domestic workers and other excluded groups. But in 1939, lawmakers passed amendments that added Social Security benefits for the spouse and minor children of retired workers. Congress also provided … Continue reading From the Museum
Enacting Social Security On August 14, 1935 legislators and advisors crowded into the White House Cabinet Room to witness the signing of the Social Security Act. News photographers and film crews recorded the moment for history as FDR put his signature on the bill. Standing directly behind the President was the person most responsible for … Continue reading Found in the Archives
The Atlantic Charter The Atlantic Charter was the statement of principles agreed to by President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill of Great Britain at their first wartime conference, August 9-12, 1941. The conference was held on board naval vessels anchored in Placentia Bay, off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. The Charter was not an official … Continue reading Franklin D. Roosevelt Day by Day – August
The Olympic Torch Stopped in Hyde Park Excitement over the present-day Summer Games of the XXX Olympiad reminded us that the famous torch once paid a visit to the FDR Home and Library. On February 4, 1932, Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt formally opened the III Olympic Winter Games in Lake Placid, NY. On February … Continue reading Found in the Archives
Eleanor Roosevelt and Gore Vidal The recent death of celebrated author Gore Vidal (1925-2012) led us to explore his relationship with Eleanor Roosevelt. The following "My Day" column drafts and letters from Gore Vidal are found the Eleanor Roosevelt Papers here at the Roosevelt Library. From the beginning of Vidal's literary career, ER read and … Continue reading Found in the Archives
Americans With Disabilities Act To commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the National Archives is featuring Presidential records related to disability history on a new web research page. Following that theme, below is a brief description of how FDR's disability affected the design of his private retreat and of the … Continue reading Found in the Archives
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