Building the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library

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Building the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library
Laying of the cornerstone of the FDR Library - Image Source

Collection Facts

Extent:
2

Historical Context

On November 19, 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt appeared before a gathering of his Hudson Valley neighbors and dignitaries to lay the cornerstone of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library in Hyde Park, New York. His speech that day was broadcast to a nation-wide radio audience. The Library was conceived by FDR to hold his personal and official papers and his large collections of books, manuscripts, artwork, and memorabilia and to make them available to the people of the United States for generations to come. It was important to FDR that the building's design reflect the Dutch Colonial heritage of the Hudson Valley and that its location on his Dutchess County estate be harmonious with the surrounding landscape. The Roosevelt Library is the nation's first presidential library and is part of the National Archives and Records Administration.

Scope of Collection

This collection includes a sound recording of FDR’s speech at the cornerstone ceremony, as well as an image of him laying the cornerstone.

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