Hosted by the FDR Presidential Library and Museum on Saturday, June 13, 2026, Dutchess County continues its commemoration of America’s semiquincentennial with RevCon 2026. Reenactors from the Brigade of the American Revolution will demonstrate military camp life, tactics, and weapons and answer questions about life in Revolutionary America. Examine Dutchess County’s role in the war at the accompanying history fair. Pose for photos with Dutchess Tourism's "Commander in Cheers" and hear stories of Dutchess County's revolutionary heroics as told by a pint-sized, augmented reality version of George Washington, "Tiny George."
Fun for all ages; free event (rain or shine). Registration is not required.
Author Talks and Signings
June 20, 2026
Roosevelt Reading Festival Henry A. Wallace Center
Time: 9:45am-5pm ET
On Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 9:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the FDR Presidential Library and Museum will host the annual Roosevelt Reading Festival. This day-long program will highlight the recently published work of fifteen authors – including a special America 250 afternoon presentation with Mary E. Stuckey, author of REMEMBERING JEFFERSON: WHO HE WAS, WHO WE ARE.
“Long a fan of Jefferson, FDR found him both personally inspiring and politically useful … considering Jefferson to represent the most important national values.” – Mary E. Stuckey
In six concurrent sessions taking place throughout the day, fifteen authors of works that draw upon the Roosevelt Library archives – or focus on the Roosevelt era – will present author talks (and book signings). Copies of all the books will be available for sale in the New Deal Store. The program begins at 9:45 a.m. with coffee and refreshments.
PLEASE NOTE: This program is in-person only. Sessions will be recorded for later broadcast.
James Cagney won an Academy Award for his role as legendary Broadway entertainer and songwriter George M. Cohan in this song and dance extravaganza that tells the rags-to-riches story of one of America’s most prominent theatrical figures.
This event is free to attend but registration is required.
New History Shorts
Mary Churchill's War
Now Available
Mary Churchill's War, edited by daughter Emma Soames, tells an intimate, vivid coming of age story with a view of major historical events. In Soames’ conversation with historian and author Erik Larson, they discuss some of the more spirited moments from the diaries, including an alleged spanking, and not from Mary Churchill’s famous father.
As dawn broke on June 6, 1944, German soldiers defending the French coast at Normandy beheld an awe-inspiring sight—the largest amphibious invasion force in history massed in the waters of the English Channel. The long-awaited invasion of northwest Europe was underway. During the tense early hours of the invasion, FDR monitored reports from the front. That evening, he delivered a statement to the American people. It took the form of a prayer, which he read on national radio.
This American flag quilt was sent to FDR by the maker, Mrs. Andy Hallford of Bangs, Texas. The quilt was made from tobacco pouches, acquired from friends of Mrs. Hallford, that were first dyed and then stitched. See this quilt on temporary display in the Museum's Behind the Scenes area through July.
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