By Paul Sparrow, Director, FDR Library. Every year on November 11th people all over the world honor and thank those who served their country. Today in the United States November 11th is known as Veterans Day, but until 1954 it was Armistice Day, honoring the millions who had served or been killed in World … Continue reading A Veterans Day to Remember: 11/11/42
By Paul M. Sparrow, Director, FDR Library. Fala is without doubt the most endearing and adorable character in the drama that was the Roosevelt White House during World War Two. The little Scottish Terrier was given to President Roosevelt as an early Christmas gift by his cousin and “closest companion” Margaret ‘Daisy’ Suckley in November, … Continue reading The Adventures of Fala, First Dog: The Case of the Dog Who Didn’t Bark on the Boat
By Paul Sparrow, Director, FDR Library. August 7th, 2017 marks the 75th anniversary of the Marine landing on Guadalcanal. It was the start of one of the most important campaigns in World War II. There were smashing victories and bitter losses, acts of incredible heroism and unspeakable carnage. And at a critical moment, President Roosevelt … Continue reading 75th Anniversary of the Battle for Guadalcanal
By Paul M. Sparrow, Director, FDR Library. Many of the ships in FDR’s collection are historically significant vessels. Others fall more into the unique and unusual category. Originally a United States Coast Guard patrol boat, the USS Potomac served as the presidential yacht from 1936 until 1945. FDR spent many relaxing days aboard the ship … Continue reading FDR’s Ship Models – Part 3: Other Interesting Models
By Paul M. Sparrow, Director, FDR Library. Franklin Roosevelt’s ship model collection is truly remarkable for its size and for the variety of models. During the latter part of his presidency he received many models of war ships. Having served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy in WWI, President Roosevelt became the Commander in Chief … Continue reading FDR’s Ship Models – Part Two : 20th Century Naval Ships
By William Villano, Astor Project Digital Curator. Shortly after 10:00 am on Tuesday morning May 27, 1941 the tall, thin, well dressed gentleman approached Hudson Terminal. His fine tailored suit, immaculately polished shoes, and priceless pocket-watch, that relic which had been held by his father as he perished in the icy waters of the North … Continue reading Socialite, and Spy Master: Vincent Astor, FDR’s Area Controller of Intelligence for New York
By Paul M. Sparrow, Director, FDR Library. Throughout his life, Franklin Roosevelt was surrounded by remarkable women. His mother Sara Delano, his wife Eleanor, his Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins the first woman to be appointed to the cabinet, and his distant cousin Daisy Suckley. But the woman who is perhaps least remembered but most … Continue reading Marguerite “Missy” LeHand: FDR’s Right Hand Woman
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
by William A. Harris, Deputy Director, FDR Library. Lambasting the President through low comedy or high satire shocks no one these days, especially during an election year. With the exception of editorial cartoons, before the 1960s, that wasn’t always the case. Motion pictures and the legitimate theater traditionally offered reverent presentations of the Presidents. FDR … Continue reading The President on Broadway: FDR, George M. Cohan, and “I’d Rather Be Right”
By Paul M. Sparrow, Director, FDR Library. Birthdays are always a good time to take stock and look back. On this, the 134th anniversary of Franklin Roosevelt’s birth, it is important to remember what made him so special. He was born at Springwood, the family home in Hyde Park. It was a difficult birth on … Continue reading Happy Birthday Franklin Roosevelt
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