Presidential Libraries

Noreen WhyselLIS 651-02

What are Presidential Libraries? Archives and museums of an American President

and his administration Contain documents and artifacts Administered by the National Archive Non-partisan: no emphasis given to political

considerations or affiliation Belong to the American People

Source: National Archives: http://www.archives.gov/presidential-libraries/

Purpose of the Libraries Promote understanding of the presidency

and the American experience, Preserve and provide access to historical

materials, Support research, and Create interactive programs and exhibits

that educate and inspire.

History of the Libraries In 1939, Franklin D. Roosevelt sought to preserve

documents from his administration that, in the past, had often been lost, sold for profit or ruined by poor storage.

Roosevelt raised private funds for the facility and then gave custody to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).

In 1950, Harry S. Truman also decided to create an archive, leading to public interest in preservation and Congressional action.

The Presidential Libraries Act of 1955 established a system of privately erected and federally maintained libraries.

History of the Libraries The Presidential Records Act of 1978 established

that the Presidential records that document the constitutional, statutory, and ceremonial duties of the President are the property of the United States Government. http://www.archives.gov/presidential-libraries/laws/1978-act.html

The Presidential Libraries Act of 1986 also made significant changes to Presidential libraries, requiring private endowments linked to the size of the facility. NARA uses these endowments to offset a portion of the maintenance costs for the library. http://www.archives.gov/presidential-libraries/laws/1986-act.html

Franklin D. Roosevelt Our nearest presidential library is the Franklin D.

Roosevelt Library in Hyde Park, NY. Current exhibits on FDR and Housing and The

Roosevelts: Public Figures, Private Lives.

Source: http://www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu

FDR Library Website

Source: http://www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu/daybyday/

FDR Library Website

Source: http://www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu/archives/collections.html

FDR Library Website

Source: http://www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu/archives/collections/list.html

FDR Library Website

Source: http://www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu/archives/pdfs/findingaids/

Existing Presidential Libraries Herbert Hoover Franklin D. Roosevelt Harry S. Truman Dwight D. Eisenhower John F. Kennedy Lyndon B. Johnson Richard Nixon

Gerald R. Ford Jimmy Carter Ronald Reagan George H. W. Bush William J. Clinton George W. Bush

http://www.archives.gov/presidential-libraries/visit/