August 12, 2021

In this issue: Museum is Open with Online Ticket Sales Only, FDR's Ship Models Behind the Scenes, the President's Gift for Radio, Fala's White House Credentials, Summer Stargazing, Social Security Turns 86.

MUSEUM HOURS
The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum has reopened. Hours and attendance are limited. Please check our website for the most up-to-date information.

Ticket sales are online only. Masks are required.
Hours: 11am-4pm (last entry 2:45pm)

UPCOMING PROGRAMS
A Behind the Scenes Look at FDR's Ship Models
Wednesday, August 18, 2pm
Director Paul Sparrow leads a special tour inside the FDR Library's secure storage area where FDR's priceless collection of rare ship models is kept.
PROGRAM ARCHIVES
From April 2021:
Franklin Roosevelt was a master of radio – the greatest mass medium of the 1930s and 1940s. His famous radio “Fireside Chats" were major media events that attracted tens of millions of listeners. Find out how FDR used the radio to forge a powerful connection with the American public from Supervisory Curator Herman Eberhardt.

FEATURES AND DIVERSIONS


A gift from his cousin Margaret Suckley, FDR's dog Fala accompanied him almost everywhere. The White House staff would send a bone up on the President's breakfast tray every morning.

During the summer of 1921, FDR was enjoying a day of sailing on his yacht when he suddenly fell overboard into the icy waters of the Bay of Fundy, which ironically felt paralyzing to his body. On August 25, 1921, Dr. Robert Lovett diagnosed FDR with infantile paralysis (i.e. polio).


FDR in Warm Springs, GA
FDR’s personal secretary, Grace Tully, wrote in her book F.D.R. My Boss (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1949): “The Boss was superstitious, particularly about the number thirteen and the practice of lighting three cigarettes on a single match...."

Long before GPS, people used to navigate using maps and compasses. But what if an area had no fixed features, like the oceans? Sailors found their way by using the stars. An accomplished sailor, FDR appreciated the stars for their usefulness in navigation and their beauty.

When was the last time you took a good look at the stars?


On August 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act, a monumental piece of legislation that forever changed the relationship between the federal government and the American people.

SUPPORTING OUR WORK
Did you know that you can set up a recurring donation to support the FDR Library online? Such contributions are a great option for those wishing to “set it and forget it.” Set up your recurring donation today to ensure the newsletters and programs you love continue!

OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT:

"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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