The First Lady of the Struggle

Mary McLeod Bethune acted as leader of the Black Cabinet. Bethune was a friend and confidante of Eleanor Roosevelt and FDR held her in high regard. She used her unique connection to the Roosevelts to bring race-related issues directly to the President. Photograph: Library of Congress Much of the success of the Black Cabinet was … Continue reading The First Lady of the Struggle

Irvin and Elizabeth McDuffie

“Throughout the nation today, colored men and women are playing the part in the government under President Roosevelt’s New Deal that we have awaited . . . these seventy years which have passed since President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.”                    —Elizabeth McDuffie, Campaign Speech, St. Louis, Missouri, 1936  Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie, two Black … Continue reading Irvin and Elizabeth McDuffie

Queen Elizabeth II

“I have the greatest respect for this young woman who must combine the responsibilities of a Queen with the requirements and emotional stresses of a young mother. I think, too, the British people are fortunate in having the royal family to hold them together. Everywhere you go, you see that the Queen, Prince Philip, the … Continue reading Queen Elizabeth II

Making His List and Checking It Twice

The holiday season brings about the list maker in all of us, well, at least in those of us who give gifts—or make lists. The President certainly took a hands on approach to the Christmas season. We have folders of official gift lists accounting for hundreds of people. We've highlighted the gifts he bestowed in … Continue reading Making His List and Checking It Twice

Sons of the Commander in Chief: The Roosevelt Boys in World War II

By J. Tomney, FDR Presidential Library volunteer. The sons and daughters of thousands of American families heeded the call to serve their country during World War II. The four sons of America’s First Family were counted among those that served with distinction and honor for the duration of the war. The Roosevelt boys – Jimmy, … Continue reading Sons of the Commander in Chief: The Roosevelt Boys in World War II

A First Lady on the Front Lines

By Paul M. Sparrow, Director, FDR Library. Eleanor Roosevelt’s Tour of the South Pacific – August & September 1943. The summer of 1943 was a critical time for the Allies. The tide was just starting to turn as the Allied forces marked a series of hard won victories. The capture of Sicily was a stepping … Continue reading A First Lady on the Front Lines

Pokemon Go has come to the FDR Presidential Library and that’s a good thing.

By Paul M. Sparrow, Director, FDR Library. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum is swarming with Pokemon Go characters. Visitors are wandering around staring at their phones, and catching them left and right. I’ve caught four and I never played the game before and only spent ten minutes at it. We have several Poke … Continue reading Pokemon Go has come to the FDR Presidential Library and that’s a good thing.

The Roosevelts and the House of Orange

By Paul Sparrow, Director, FDR Library. The relationship between the Roosevelt family and the Dutch royal family, known as the House of Orange, is both charming and historically significant. New York and the Hudson River Valley were both originally settled by Dutch pioneers. And the Netherlands was the first country to recognize the United States. … Continue reading The Roosevelts and the House of Orange

The Roosevelts’ Art: Personal Stories

By Paul Sparrow, Director, FDR Library. Art is the window to man's soul. Without it, he would never be able to see beyond his immediate world; nor could the world see the man within. - Lady Bird Johnson “The Roosevelts’ Art: Personal Stories” is a special exhibit running from April 1 until April 30th in … Continue reading The Roosevelts’ Art: Personal Stories

Eleanor Roosevelt’s Battle to End Lynching

By Paul M. Sparrow, Director, FDR Library. As we celebrate Black History Month, it is a good time to explore one of Eleanor Roosevelt’s most outspoken campaigns, and one of her greatest disappointments. Throughout American history issues of race and civil rights have challenged our most precious core principal – that all people are created … Continue reading Eleanor Roosevelt’s Battle to End Lynching