Staff Perspectives

Michelle M. Frauenberger Twenty years ago I began an extraordinary journey with Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt.  Fresh out of college and looking to gain experience working in a museum, I applied to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.  As luck would have it, the Library was in the process of expanding its public … Continue reading Staff Perspectives

Franklin D. Roosevelt Day by Day – June

D-Day On June 6, 1944, the United States and its allies launched the greatest amphibious invasion in history on the shores of France. Over 150,000 soldiers, sailors, and airmen stormed the beaches of Normandy beginning a campaign that would end with the unconditional surrender of Germany in May 1945. Franklin D. Roosevelt, as Commander in … Continue reading Franklin D. Roosevelt Day by Day – June

From the Museum

Carved Wooden Pig (MO 1947.93.412)   President Roosevelt liked to display souvenirs and small trinkets he received as gifts on his desk in the White House Oval Office. Some of these items reflected whimsical aspects of FDR's personality. This carved wooden pig is certainly among them. Roosevelt enjoyed collecting pig figurines. His private secretary Grace … Continue reading From the Museum

Found in the Archives

Eleanor Roosevelt and Queen Elizabeth II In the United Kingdom, 2012 marks the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. While the Queen's reign began after the Roosevelt years in the White House, there was a relationship between the Roosevelts and the Royals. Her parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, had visited the … Continue reading Found in the Archives

Public Programs News & Events

Both the FDR Presidential Library and the Home of FDR National Historic Site hosted more than 3000 visitors over Memorial Day Weekend at a series of public programs and events. The weekend kicked off with a full audience at the Library's annual USO Show on Friday night. Attendees were treated to an evening of entertainment … Continue reading Public Programs News & Events

Found in the Archives

Golden Gate Bridge Opens This Sunday, May 27th, 2012 marks the 75th anniversary of the opening of Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Considered a marvel of both scale and design, the Golden Gate held the distinction of being the world's longest suspension bridge up until the 1960s. The 1937 opening festivities lasted for one … Continue reading Found in the Archives

Found in the Archives

1934 Hawaiian Visit May is Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month. The Hawaiian Islands, located at the northernmost part of Polynesia,  were annexed by the United States in 1898, and in 1959 became the nation's 50th state. By the time of Roosevelt's presidency Hawaii was characterized by an incredible diversity of cultural ancestry, including Native Hawaiian, pan-Asian … Continue reading Found in the Archives

Found in the Archives

Mother’s Day The first presidential proclamation honoring Mother's Day was issued by President Woodrow Wilson in 1914.  Each successive year, presidents followed Wilson's example and issued a Mother's Day proclamation. But in 1935, Franklin Roosevelt broke with tradition. He believed that Mother's Day was so deeply ingrained in the American psyche that an annual presidential proclamation was an unnecessary … Continue reading Found in the Archives