The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum and the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site to host a special presentation, “Sara Delano Roosevelt: Her Story Revisited” with Dr. Shelby Landmark, Wednesday, April 29th, 2:00 pm.
Presentation Synopsis:
Sara “Sallie” Ann Delano Roosevelt (1854-1941) is best known for being the mother of Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945), but she was an interesting and charismatic person in her own right. From her childhood in Hong Kong, her fierce devotion to her family, and her charitable pursuits as an adult, Sara lived a long and full life. However, her persona is often reduced to archetypal characterizations that do not fully match the primary source evidence. In this talk, Mellon Fellow Dr. Shelby Landmark will share a more nuanced version of Sara’s life story.
The event will be held in the Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Library and Home and streamed live to the official FDR Library YouTube and Facebook accounts.
This is a free public event, but registration is required to attend in-person.
Dr. Shelby Landmark
Dr. Shelby Landmark is the Mellon Humanities Postdoctoral Fellow for Disability Representation at Historic Sites located at the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Sites. Her research has informed new interpretations of FDR’s disability as well as revised existing interpretive programs. In 2025, she opened an exhibit at the site focusing on FDR’s use of mobility devices. Her work has challenged predominant narratives about FDR’s paralysis and led to a more nuanced and accurate understanding of his legacy as an important disabled historical figure. Additionally, Dr. Landmark’s research into FDR’s life has led her to uncover broader stories about the Roosevelts.
Please contact Cliff Laube at (845) 486-7745 with any further questions about the event.