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
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
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
During Phase 2 of the FDR Library’s building renovation special measures have been taken to protect the largest object in the Museum collection—FDR’s 1936 Ford Phaeton automobile. This vehicle, which features hand controls that allowed the President to drive it without the use of his legs, has been on display on the Library’s lower level … Continue reading Renovation Update
This week marked the 75th anniversary of the disappearance of Amelia Earhart. Her disappearance has remained an enduring mystery to this day. In November of 1936 Earhart wrote a letter to FDR detailing her upcoming around the world flight and asking for assistance from the Navy. Her letter can be found on the FDR Day … Continue reading Franklin D. Roosevelt Day by Day – July
FDR and the GI Bill of Rights June 22 marks the 68th anniversary of the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, more popularly known as the GI Bill of Rights. Although World War II was far from over, FDR was determined to plan ahead for a smooth transition to peace, both abroad and at home. The … Continue reading Found in the Archives
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
You must be logged in to post a comment.