Turning the Tide: FDR and the Battle of the Atlantic, March 18, 1943

by Kevin Thomas, Special Events Coordinator Franklin D. Roosevelt delivers his Christmas message on the radio from his study in the FDR Library in Hyde Park, New York, December 24, 1943. NPx 61-71. Lend-Lease is one of Franklin Roosevelt's most remarkable and vital achievements in the formation of the anti-Hitler alliance-        Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin, … Continue reading Turning the Tide: FDR and the Battle of the Atlantic, March 18, 1943

The Good Luck Charm: Franklin D. Roosevelt and the 1920 Democratic National Convention

by Kevin Thomas, Special Events Coordinator Franklin D. Roosevelt and James Cox in Dayton, Ohio campaigning for Vice-President and President respectively. August 9, 1920. The lawn of Springwood was choked by the crowd. Nearly five thousand had gathered to witness the moment – when the young Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Franklin D. Roosevelt, addressed … Continue reading The Good Luck Charm: Franklin D. Roosevelt and the 1920 Democratic National Convention

One of the Millions: FDR and the Flu Pandemic of 1918-1920

By Kevin Thomas, Special Events Coordinator The New York Times made it abundantly clear on September 20, 1918: F.D. Roosevelt Spanish Grip Victim Removed the previous day from the USS Leviathan in New York City, Assistant Secretary of the Navy Franklin Delano Roosevelt was taken to his mother’s residence in the city to recuperate. He was … Continue reading One of the Millions: FDR and the Flu Pandemic of 1918-1920

More than a Moment for the Nation: The Presidential Funeral of FDR

The flag is lifted from the lowered casket of Franklin D. Roosevelt at the burial site in the rose garden by members of the military services. Eleanor Roosevelt stands to left with Anna and Elliott on April 15, 1945 in Hyde Park, NY. NPx 77-144(1). By Kevin Thomas, Special Events Coordinator The crowd kept their stare … Continue reading More than a Moment for the Nation: The Presidential Funeral of FDR

The 75th Anniversary of FDR’s Death: His True Legacy – Leadership in Times of Crisis

By Paul Sparrow, Director, FDR Presidential Library As America and the world confront the deadly COVID 19 pandemic, we should all take a moment to remember the inspirational legacy of Franklin Delano Roosevelt on the 75th anniversary of his death. The society we live in today is based on his vision of global cooperation and … Continue reading The 75th Anniversary of FDR’s Death: His True Legacy – Leadership in Times of Crisis

FDR’s D-Day Prayer

American troops head toward Omaha Beach, June 6, 1944. At 9:57 pm on D-Day, June 6, 1944, FDR sat in front of a microphone in the Diplomatic Reception Room at the White House waiting to begin a national radio address. Earlier in the day the President had held a press conference in the Oval Office … Continue reading FDR’s D-Day Prayer

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

A Diplomatic Break–In Tradition

Eighty-one years ago today, on December 15, 1937, the President broke with tradition to receive the new Nicaraguan ambassador to the United States, Dr. Leon DeBayle (sometimes de Bayle or De Bayle), in his West Wing office, not the White House Blue Room. Photo: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Though nattily attired in a … Continue reading A Diplomatic Break–In Tradition

Veteran’s Day

The Veteran's Day we celebrate now was originally known as Armistice Day until 1954. The purpose of the holiday was to commemorate the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. Presidents often participate in ceremonies on November 11th at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, now the Tomb of the Unknowns, at Arlington National … Continue reading Veteran’s Day

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