Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library / Spring, 2025, Photo Update / Madora, North Dakota

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

As fireworks light up the sky and communities across America come together in celebration, we wish you a joyful and meaningful Independence Day. Today, we honor the enduring spirit of freedom, civic duty, and resilience that define our nation—and that Theodore Roosevelt so powerfully embodied.

This year’s celebration carries special significance: we are now just one year away from opening the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota—on July 4, 2026—America’s 250th birthday.

Roosevelt believed that true patriotism meant more than flag-waving—it meant taking part in the great American experiment. “We must dare to be great,” he once declared, “and we must realize that greatness is the fruit of toil and sacrifice and high courage.” That same spirit of active citizenship fuels everything we do at TRPL.

Our Library is not just a monument to a president—it’s a call to action for every visitor. A place to be inspired by the past, challenged in the present, and motivated to shape the future. One year from now, guests will walk into a living institution that honors the landscape that shaped Roosevelt’s character and the values that still guide us today.

As we count down to July 4, 2026, we invite you to join us in this journey. Together, we’ll step “into the arena”—and help write the next chapter of our shared American story.

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CIVIC SEASON: Virtual Taste of History

On July 1, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library hosted a spirited (and spirit-filled!) virtual event as part of Civic Season—a nationwide celebration that invites young people to connect with history and take ownership of the future.

In our Taste of History livestream, we raised a glass to three pivotal events in Theodore Roosevelt’s young life that helped shape the leader he would become. Blending storytelling with social fun, the evening featured custom cocktails and mocktails inspired by TR’s journey—from heartbreak to heroics.

Designed especially with Gen Z in mind, this event encouraged viewers to consider their own turning points while mixing drinks and diving into Roosevelt’s unique character—including his own (sometimes surprising!) drinking habits.

If you missed it live, you can still catch the full event on our YouTube channel. Grab the recipe cards, gather your friends, and press play on an evening of history, reflection, and refreshment.

TR QUIZ: DID HE SAY THAT?

Theodore Roosevelt wasn’t just a man of action—he was a master of words. From his passionate speeches to his prolific books and letters, TR left behind a legacy of bold, thoughtful, and often surprising language.

Now it’s your turn to step into the arena: Test your knowledge of Roosevelt’s writings and quotes with our interactive quiz! Can you tell a genuine Roosevelt rally cry from a clever imposter? Whether you’re a casual fan or a devoted Rough Rider, you’re bound to learn something new—and have a little fun in the process.

What does it mean to “get in the arena”? For Theodore Roosevelt, it meant fighting for fairness, reform, and the public good—values that shaped his presidency and continue to inspire today.

In a recent episode of American History Tellers, TRPL CEO Edward O’Keefe joins host Lindsay Graham to explore the heart of Roosevelt’s progressivism—from trust-busting and conservation to food safety and civic duty. The conversation dives into TR’s belief that every citizen shares the responsibility to fight for a better future.

O’Keefe offers fresh insight into the personal and political forces that made Roosevelt one of America’s most dynamic leaders.

 Listen now to learn more about how TR’s legacy lives on—and how the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is bringing that legacy to life.

TRPL AT TEDxFargo

 We’re thrilled to announce that Edward O’Keefe, CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, will take the stage at #TEDxFargo 2025!

 July 23–24

 Downtown Fargo

In his talk, “Theodore Roosevelt & the Secret Power of Sisters,” O’Keefe will unveil the untold stories of the extraordinary women who shaped TR’s life—especially his sisters Bamie and Conie, whose influence helped forge one of America’s most dynamic presidents.

As we build a Library worthy of Roosevelt’s enduring legacy, we’re proud to elevate the stories of the women who helped create it. Don’t miss this compelling exploration of family, influence, and the hidden threads of history.

ANNUAL REPORT

The vision is becoming reality.

From foundational construction to national programming, the 2024 Annual Report from the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library captures a year of extraordinary momentum. We broke ground with geothermic wells and mass timber, launched Teach with TR to classrooms across the country, hosted our first Speaker Series with Arthur Brooks, and saw the Native Plants Project flourish across the restored prairie.

We’re building more than a library—we’re cultivating a legacy rooted in Roosevelt’s call to service, conservation, and civic leadership.

As Roosevelt reminded us, “It is not the critic who counts… the credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena.”We invite you to step into the arena with us by joining our inaugural group of supporters.

 Be part of history—make a donation today.

NEW EPISODES OF GOOD CITIZEN

Continue watching this space and social media profiles (X/Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Linktree) to stay informed on everything from TR history to construction updates, podcast episodes, and more.

Thank you for your continued support of the TR Library!

Join us in the arena!

We’re making great progress towards our grand opening in Summer of 2026 but we still have a ways to go to raise the funds needed to complete construction.  Please take a moment and learn how you can support our work, become a founding sponsor of TR’s Library and leave a legacy for your family.