March 11, 2021

In this issue: Franklin and Eleanor's Wedding Anniversary; the Conflict between Hoover and FDR Prior to the Inauguration; Eleanor's UN Press Pass #WomensHistoryMonth; the First Fireside Chat; Christening the Yankee Clipper; the American Hebrew Medal; Roosevelt Favorites, and more.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS
FDR Library Education Specialist Jeffrey Urbin explores the relationship between Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt as it transitions from a secret engagement to a powerful political partnership.

Live Q&A to follow.
Eleanor Roosevelt's most ambitious and dangerous foreign trip during World War II was a 25,000 mile tour of the South Pacific in 1943 as a representative of the American Red Cross. She wore this uniform during that trip.
PROGRAM ARCHIVES
From June 2019:
Historian and author Eric Rauchway discusses the struggle that took place between outgoing President Herbert Hoover and President-Elect Franklin Roosevelt in the period between the election and inauguration.

UC Davis Professor Eric Rauchway
FEATURES AND DIVERSIONS


Even in the last year of her life, Eleanor Roosevelt maintained her credentials as a journalist. This pass was among the items found inside Eleanor’s wallet after her death at the age of 78.

This week marks the 88th anniversary of the first Fireside Chat, marking a key moment in FDR's new Administration. He would speak directly to the American people over the airwaves about the banking crisis, coming to them not in the formal setting of an inauguration or a conference, but in a more personal manner.

On March 3, 1939, Eleanor Roosevelt had the honor of christening the Yankee Clipper, one of the new flying boats that would inaugurate transatlantic service between North America and Europe.

On March 6, 1939, President Roosevelt received the American Hebrew Medal in the Oval Office. The award was selected by a committee of 55 citizens who worked to advance religious freedom. Some in the press saw the President’s acceptance remarks as a rebuke to Nazi policies.

Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt were married in New York City on March 17, 1905. The date of the marriage was selected so that Eleanor’s Uncle Theodore Roosevelt, the President of the United States at the time, could be present to give the bride away.



Though no photographs of the day are known to exist, several artifacts from the wedding are in the FDR Library’s museum collection. Here you can see an Usher’s Stickpin, Wedding Veil Lace, Artificial Orange Blossoms, and a Lace Handkerchief.


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SUPPORTING OUR WORK
I like hiking with a friend on the trails that go from the gardens down toward the Hudson River, past the ice pond, where I understand FDR would swim with his kids. The woods are beautiful and serene, and I like to imagine FDR connecting with nature in this same place 130 years ago.

Roger Kolp, a Library member, donor and docent from Hyde Park, NY.
"Whatever our individual circumstances or opportunities, we are all in it, and our spirit is good... and do not let anyone tell you anything different." FDR, Oct 12, 1942, fireside chat.

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