Special Exhibition

ONGOING

Declaring the Revolution: America's Printed Path to Independence

William J. vanden Heuvel

Special Exhibits Gallery

Historical Works from the David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection

This exhibition honors the Declaration of Independence as the central printed achievement of America's revolutionary generation by assembling various political and intellectual forerunners of that momentous document, as well as printed evidence of the ways that America's founders self-organized to bring about its stated ideals.

Guest Curator: Mazy Boroujerdi, Curator, David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection

June 26, 2026 - December 6, 2026
Regular admission applies, go to VisitFDR.org to purchase tickets»

Documentary Film Screening

August 22, 2026

Rohna Classified

With filmmaker Jack Ballo
Henry A. Wallace Center

Time: 2pm ET

REGISTER for in-person attendance»

Nearly 2,000 American soldiers board an overcrowded transport ship, unaware of its non-functioning lifeboats and inadequate lifebelts. When one of the first radio-guided missiles ever used in war strikes, the HMT Rohna sinks, claiming 1,015 lives — the single greatest loss of life at sea by enemy action in U.S. history.

This event is free to attend but registration is required.

New History Shorts

FDR and the 1941 Oscars

Now Available

When FDR was asked to speak at the 13th Annual Academy Awards in 1941, he readily accepted. Bill Harris delves into the FDR Library Archives to find correspondence from Golden Era Hollywood.

Watch the short (1:22 minutes)
YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Watch the original full-length broadcast»

Got a Minute: FDR Firsts

Now Available

Who knew FDR was the first President to do so many things? Jeff Urbin does and he lets you know all about them. Our newest installment of "Got a Minute?"

Watch the short (1:12 minutes)
YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

GM17 Gas Mask

FDR may have acquired this WWI Lederschutzmaske GM17 German gas mask during his official European inspection trip as Assistant Secretary of the Navy during the summer of 1918.

See more in our online collection»