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
Mary Jikhars I am one of the most recent additions to the staff of the FDR Library, having started work as the assistant to Director Lynn Bassanese in May, 2011. After graduating with a B.A. degree in English Lit from Marist College in 1998, I enlisted in the U.S. Army to become a Linguist (98G) … Continue reading Staff Perspectives
This is the first post for our new monthly feature on "Staff Perspectives." Every month we will be introducing you to a member of the staff here at the FDR Library and giving a look into who we are and what we do. Matt Hanson I first began working for the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential … Continue reading Staff Perspectives
The Thanksgiving Before War, 1941 It was Franklin Roosevelt's yearly tradition to go back to Warm Springs, Georgia, and celebrate Thanksgiving with the patients and staff at the polio rehabilitation center he had founded there. The patients would always prepare a little program with skits and songs, and FDR would carve the turkeys himself. Thanksgiving … Continue reading Found in the Archives
"Let's Talk Turkey" Poster (MO 2005.13.34.252) During World War II, the U.S. Government created a wide range of posters aimed at inspiring Americans to contribute to the war effort. Many concentrated on increasing defense production. As the war progressed, new initiatives and methods for improving production were embraced. Ideas were collected from all sources, … Continue reading From the Museum
FDR's Bedside Note In the early morning hours of September 1, 1939, President Roosevelt was awakened in his bedroom at the White House by a telephone call from his Ambassador in Paris, William C. Bullitt, who advised the President that Germany had invaded Poland and that several Polish cities were being bombed. After FDR gave … Continue reading Found in the Archives
September 18, 1946 "NEW YORK, Tuesday—I have just finished reading a novel called "Mr. Adam" by Pat Frank. It is inspired by our new ability to destroy, and deals with the numerous things that may develop from the power that we can now unleash. It is pure imagination, but there is just enough possibility that … Continue reading Eleanor Roosevelt – My Day: September 15-21
September 2, 1940 "HYDE PARK, Sunday—To me and to every citizen of the United States, Labor Day must be one of the most significant days on our calendar. On this day we should think with pride of the growing place which the worker is taking in this country. In every walk of life, the man … Continue reading Eleanor Roosevelt – My Day: September 1-7
Found in the Archives: Victory Gardens and Shared Sacrifice As we go about our daily business at the FDR Library, we often come across documents that really hit home and have an unexpected emotional impact. Take this one, for example. Last week we were visited by a group of state nutritionists. As we were identifying … Continue reading Found in the Archives
August 11, 1942 "HYDE PARK, Monday—...Some of the students who were at the institutes there were able to remain in New York City for a few days. We had much singing and gaiety, but also some serious discussion on the personal stake of each boy and girl in the war. Most of the boys will … Continue reading Eleanor Roosevelt – My Day: August 8-14
