In this issue: The Life of Victorine Q. Adams; The "L" Word Laureates Past & Present; the Hudson Valley History Reading Festival; Presidential Transitions; Civil Defense and #TheArtOfWar; Finding Family in Museum Displays; the Last Photographs of FDR.
Author Ida Jones examines the life of Victorine Adams, founder of the Colored Women's Democratic Campaign Committee to educate African American women about the vote and the power of the ballot box, and the first African American woman elected to the Baltimore City Council.
This is the premiere broadcast of a talk given on June 24, 2023.
Poetry Event
The "L" Word Laureates Past & Present
Wednesday, April 10 6pm ET
Henry A. Wallace Center
Current and past Poets Laureate of the Mid-Hudson Valley will give a live reading in the lobby of the Wallace Center as part of the "Stream of Life" series produced by Stephanie JT Russell, Dutchess County Poet Laureate. Hosted by the FDR Library and the Home of FDR National Historic Site.
The FDR Library and the Friends of the Poughkeepsie Public Library District host the annual Hudson Valley History Reading Festival.
In four sessions, beginning at 10:00 a.m., authors of books on Hudson Valley history – including Robert & Johanna Titus, Cheryl and Will Cass, Michael Burgess, and Susan Stessin-Cohn – will present author talks followed by book signings in the Wallace Center.
Free public event. Registration is required. CLICK HEREto register.
A conversation between former FDR Library Director Paul Sparrow and Harry S. Truman Library Director Kurt Graham on the April 12, 1945, presidential transition between the Roosevelt and Truman administrations.
(Originally broadcast April 12, 2020; 10:52 minutes)
Millions of Americans of all ages responded to appeals from the government and private organizations to volunteer for service on the Home Front. Many donated blood to the Red Cross and joined civil defense units that organized community blackouts and air raid drills. Tens of thousands volunteered to serve in the Army Air Forces Ground Observer Corps, acting as lookouts for enemy aircraft at observation posts along the nation’s coastline.
Inge Wegener had no idea that her father had ever written a letter to the First Lady and was moved to tears when she learned his letter was on display at the FDR Library.
The exhibit includes a display of six condolence letters to Mrs. Roosevelt, chosen from among tens of thousands sent to her by everyday Americans in the weeks following her husband’s death.
In the early afternoon of April 12, 1945 President Roosevelt was in his private cottage at Warm Springs, GA, signing papers and sitting for a portrait painter. Suddenly, he raised his hand to his head complaining of a headache. He then slumped forward, losing consciousness.
"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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FDR Presidential Library | 4079 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park, NY 12538
