by Shannon Lausch

Created on: July 24, 2009

The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum was revolutionary for its time; never before did a U.S. president establish a library based on his personal effects acquired while in office. Presidents used to become the personal guardians of their administration's documents and artifacts upon leaving office. Some presidents burned their papers. Other presidents kept them within the family or donated them to various museums (NARA, para. 3). But Franklin Roosevelt would change this tradition.

Why? In their article, "Roosevelt and His Library," historians Cynthia Koch and Lynn Bassanese believe at least two key issues motivated Roosevelt: 1) he was a collector who was loath to throw anything away, and 2) he realized the incredible historical value his presidential belongings possessed (para. 8 and 9). So Franklin made history by trying to preserve history. He established the National Archives and Records Administration to oversee the construction of presidential libraries, and, ever since, every president after his administration has their own library.

"A Brief History of the Roosevelt Library"

Roosevelt took great care in establishing his library - even building the premises on his own estate in Hyde Park, New York (NARA, para. 1). Koch and Bassanese further describe acts that illustrate his great dedication: Roosevelt selected the architecture, gave directions on how his documents were to be stored, and ensured that enough space was permitted to showcase his naval collections and gifts received while president (being quite perceptive that people would be more interested in a museum than a library full of documents) (para. 3-5).

Once finished in 1941, Roosevelt would often work from his library when he was at his home in Hyde Park for breaks. Visiting foreign dignitaries would often get a personal tour from a very proud Roosevelt. He would even broadcast some his fireside chats from the library (Koch and Bassanese, para. 17). But because of his death during his fourth term, Roosevelt never had the opportunity to fully enjoy his library without the burdens of the presidency.

"The Roosevelt Library Today"

Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum offers over 17 million documents and 44,000 books for scholars looking to do research on Roosevelt (Koch, para. 3). But for those not looking to do scholarly research, the topnotch museum serves as a great way to learn about the 32nd president. The permanent exhibits are divided into the stages

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