"Eleanor Roosevelt and Val-Kill: Emergence of a Political Leader"
In celebration of our 30th year of preserving Val-Kill and Eleanor Roosevelt's legacy, the National Park Service opens a new permanent exhibit on June 1, 2014. "Eleanor Roosevelt and Val-Kill: Emergence of a Political Leader" examines Eleanor Roosevelt's world during the 1920s and 1930s when she joined a group of independent-minded women dedicated to shaping politics and social policy. New expectations and opportunities ignited a stirring friendship with activists Nancy Cook and Marion Dickerman. Together they created jobs, influenced party politics, and advanced social reforms. Val-Kill embodies their pioneering spirit.
The exhibit also looks more closely at Eleanor and Franklin's unique partnership during these two decades. Driven by independent interests, they were united by a strong, complex vision and overlapping circles of friends and associates. As FDR advanced politically, Eleanor's influence grew in both the Democratic women's movement and the president's administration. In Val-Kill's relaxed atmosphere, the Roosevelt's gathered advisers, reformers, dignitaries, and even movie stars to address pressing issues of the times. Working together, Franklin and Eleanor built alliances and shaped national politics. Eleanor Roosevelt transformed the role of first lady, bringing decades of women's social reform work to the national political agenda. For the rest of her life, Val-Kill remained a source of inspiration and a gathering place for those who shared her vision.
The exhibit is made possible through the generous support from the Eleanor Roosevelt Val-Kill Partnership and their lead benefactors: Lia and William Poorvu, Claudine and Fred Bacher, the Muriel F. Siebert Foundation, and countless supporters. Additional substantial support was provided by the Roosevelt-Vanderbilt Historical Association.
Did You Know?
Eleanor Roosevelt's birth name is Anna Eleanor Roosevelt. She was the fifth cousin of Franklin and the niece of President Theodore Roosevelt.