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
Carved Portraits of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt (MO 1941.4.12-13) Noted African American artist Leslie Garland Bolling (1898-1955) presented these carved figures of the Roosevelts to the President and First Lady in 1940. Born in Richmond, Virginia, Bolling was a largely self-taught artist who captured the attention of the art public with his busts and sculptures … Continue reading From the Museum
Bob Clark Why should anyone care who works at the Roosevelt Library, you might ask? Well, it’s because we all view ourselves as just the most recent caretakers of the institution that FDR created and established. It was FDR’s dream that the Roosevelt Library would house the papers, records, and memorabilia of his life and … Continue reading Staff Perspectives
Wagner Act Turns 77 When FDR signed the National Labor Relations Act (Wagner Act) into law on July 5, 1935, he declared: “A better relationship between labor and management is the high purpose of this Act. By assuring the employees the right of collective bargaining it fosters the development of the employment contract on a sound … Continue reading Found in the Archives
You must be logged in to post a comment.