Franklin D. Roosevelt Archives

The White House East Wing: From Jefferson’s Vision to a $250 Million Ballroom

April 23, 2026October 21, 2025 by ghostsofdc

FDR built the East Wing in 1942 as cover for a real White House bunker. Decades later, it was torn down for a $250 million ballroom.

A Look Back: Comparing FDR, Eisenhower, and Obama Inauguration Photos

April 27, 2026April 6, 2015 by ghostsofdc

Aerial view of U.S. Capitol and crowd on the grounds of the east front of the U.S. Capitol, during the inauguration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, March 4, 1933

Take a look back at history with photos of historic inaugurations of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, and Barack Obama. See how the ceremonies have changed over the years!

Rare Footage of FDR Dedicating the NIH Campus in Bethesda in 1940

November 9, 2022November 6, 2014 by ghostsofdc

This is some great old footage of FDR dedicating the NIH back in 1940. Thanks to GoDCer Jeff for sending this in a while ago. It was originally posted on an NIH blog, Circulating Now, and below is an excerpt from the post.

On October 31, 1940, just days before President Franklin Delano Roosevelt would be elected to an unprecedented third term as President of the United States, he traveled to Bethesda to dedicate the National Cancer Institute and the new campus of what was then the National Institute of Health (NIH), before it would eventually become known in plural form—NationalInstitutes of Health—as multiple units were established over subsequent years.

Click here for the original post.

William Andrew Johnson: The Former Slave Who Visited President Roosevelt at the White House

September 1, 2019March 3, 2014 by ghostsofdc

William Andrew Johnson, a former slave of President Andrew Johnson, was a guest at the White House when he visited President Franklin Roosevelt. Read the incredible story of his meeting with President Roosevelt, as well as details from his life before and after the Emancipation Proclamation.

The Significance of the November Poppy and the Forgotten American Tradition of the “Buddy Poppy

January 6, 2020November 25, 2013 by ghostsofdc

Learn about the significance of the November Poppy and the forgotten American tradition of the “Buddy Poppy.” Understand the history and importance of the tradition, and why it’s important to consider its meaning and make an informed, personal choice before participating.

The Mayflower Hotel: FDR, Monica Lewinsky and the Walker Hotel and Apartments

April 27, 2026July 8, 2013 by ghostsofdc

The Mayflower Hotel has seen a lot of history, from FDR’s famous “Nothing to Fear” speech to Monica Lewinsky’s blue dress. Learn more about the “Grande Dame of Washington” and the Walker Hotel and Apartments.

Unbelievable: A Letter Written by 14-Year-Old Fidel Castro Discovered in the National Archives

April 27, 2026June 24, 2013 by ghostsofdc

Discover the unbelievable! A letter written by Fidel Castro, at the age of 14, was recently discovered in the National Archives. Read the story and see the letter here.

A Photo of Jean Wallace, Daughter of Henry Wallace and Future FDR Vice President

September 1, 2019January 10, 2013 by ghostsofdc

Washington, D.C., circa 1937. "Jean Wallace." The daughter of Henry A. Wallace, Secretary of Agriculture and future Vice President, at the Wardman Park Hotel pool.

A photo of Jean Wallace, the daughter of Henry Wallace, who was FDR’s Vice President before he was replaced with Harry Truman. Taken in 1937, when Wallace was Secretary of Agriculture. Find out more about the fascinating history of FDR and his Vice Presidents.

The State Department Refused to Make a Reciprocal Trade Agreement with Cupid: Reflections on Social Interaction in Washington, DC

April 27, 2026October 4, 2012 by ghostsofdc

In this article, we observe a great tongue-in-cheek opening line from the December 2, 1936 copy of the Washington Post. We reflect on the continuity and change of social interaction in DC, from exclusive “hospitalities” to the incorporation of social media.