The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum is the presidential library of Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd President of the United States (1933–1945). Located on the grounds of Springwood, the Roosevelt family estate in Hyde Park, New York, the library was built under the President’s personal direction in 1939-1940, and dedicated on June 30, 1941. It is the first presidential library in the United States and one of the thirteen presidential libraries under the auspices of the National Archives and Records Administration.
History
The Library and Museum are dedicated to the memory of America’s only four-term President and “New Deal” architect Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Opened in 1941, a year after the President’s death, the Library was built on the site of his family home at Springwood in Hyde Park. Roosevelt personally oversaw the design of both the Library and his archives, which were considered revolutionary at the time.
The Library houses more than 17 million documents, including letters, photographs, presidential papers, and personal belongings. In addition to manuscripts and records from Roosevelt’s own presidency, the Library also contains materials from earlier administrations–including those of William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt (FDR’s fifth cousin), Woodrow Wilson, Calvin Coolidge, and Herbert Hoover–as well as from Roosevelt’s post-presidential years.
The Museum tells the story of FDR’s life and Presidency through a series of interactive exhibits, including a full-scale replica of the Oval Office, as well as audio-visual presentations, artifacts, and interactive media. The Library also features temporary exhibitions drawn from its collections or highlighting topics of interest.
Mission
The mission of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library is to foster research and education on the life and times of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and their continuing impact on contemporary life. The Library strives to accomplish this mission through activities that engage scholars, educators, students, and the general public in active learning experiences.
The Library collections are maintained for use by researchers from around the world. The Museum collections are preserved and displayed for the education and enjoyment of visitors of all ages.
Collections
The Library’s holdings include more than 17 million documents, 300,000 photographs, 12,000 books, and tens of thousands of artifacts ranging from campaign memorabilia to White House furniture. The Library collections are particularly strong in the areas of New Deal legislation and administration; the home front during World War II; American foreign policy during Roosevelt’s presidency; and election campaigns and presidential politics.
The Museum collections consist of more than 8,000 objects, including paintings, sculpture, furnishings, First Ladies’ gowns, jewelry, personal effects, and toys. In addition to objects relating to Roosevelt’s life and presidency, the Museum collections also include material related to Eleanor Roosevelt, the Roosevelt family, and life on the Hudson River Valley estate of Springwood.
Location and Hours
The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum are located in Hyde Park, New York. The Library is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00am to 5:00pm, and the Museum is open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Admission to both the Library and Museum is free of charge.
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