In this issue: Mothball Fleet for Fleet Week; WWII Bivouac; Black Americans, Civil Rights, and the Roosevelts Opens; the FDR Sphinx Sculpture; #FDRtheCollector Dog Statuette; Eleanor Roosevelt on the Importance of Schools and Recreation.
In 1946, the National Naval Defense Reserve Fleet was established and eight sites around the nation were selected to store the ships, maintain them, and keep them ready for action in the event of a national emergency. Among the eight locations was the Hudson River in Tarrytown, New York. While its official name was the Hudson River Defense Reserve Fleet, it became known as the Mothball Fleet.
World War II Military Displays: BIVOUAC
FDR Library Great Lawn
May 27-28, 10am-4pm ET
On Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28, 2023 the Great Lawn in front of the FDR Library will take on the appearance of a World War II encampment with WWII Military Displays. Period military vehicles of all sizes and soldiers in battle dress will be on hand to share their love of World War II history.
A new special exhibition developed in collaboration with a distinguished committee of scholars that centers on the historical voices of many Black community leaders, wartime service members, and ordinary citizens who engaged the Roosevelt administration directly and who pushed for progress. Within this context, the exhibit examines the political evolution of both Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt regarding racial justice.
With war headlines dominating the news in late 1939, speculation began that FDR might seek a third term. When he said little in response, cartoons began appearing in the nation’s newspapers that depicted him as the Great Sphinx of Giza. They inspired this papier mache sculpture. Presented by Supervisory Museum Curator Herman Eberhardt.
"Poor teachers and a dull curriculum will never stimulate a child of limited capacity to do the best that lies within his powers, nor will they give an opportunity to the gifted child to develop to the maximum his unusual abilities. A lack of recreational opportunities will, without question, mean that more young people may get into trouble of one kind or another...."
"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
