Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt on their honeymoon at Strathpeffer, Scotland (1905) by Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum of the National Archives and Records AdministrationU.S. National Archives
This exhibit draws on rich historical collections housed in both the Archives and Museum of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library, and shows the Roosevelts’ unique relationship with people and leaders across the globe. Learn how an American president worked directly with towering international figures, became the first to fly overseas while in office, and created the United Nations. Find out how Eleanor Roosevelt's support of Allied troops in World War II and her advocacy for universal human rights inspired her famous moniker, First Lady of the World.
Regions explored:
1. Australia
2. Africa
3. North & Central America
4. Asia
5. Europe
6. South America
7. Antarctica
8. Visits of Foreign Dignitaries and Diplomats to the United States
Eleanor Roosevelt in the South Pacific
From August 17-September 24, 1943, Eleanor Roosevelt undertook a 25,000 mile trip to the South Pacific as a representative of the American Red Cross. During her trip she made 17 stops in Australia, New Zealand and a number of small Pacific Islands, including Guadalcanal, Bora Bora, Samoa, Fiji, New Caledonia, and Christmas Island. Eleanor spent most of the trip visiting about 400,000 servicemen at military bases, hospitals, nursing homes and American Red Cross recreation clubs. She chronicled her experiences in her “My Day” columns, the proceeds from which she donated to the Red Cross.
Eleanor Roosevelt visiting wounded soldiers during her tour of the South West Pacific. The soldier in this photo is Frank J. Carroll, USNR, 7th Construction Battalion. FDR Library Photograph Collection, NPx 51-115:169(165).
Daniel J. Spaulding, Washington, DC; Robert A. O'Neill, New York City; George R. Vosper, Steubenville, Ohio; William E. Cachvolader, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania meet the First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt in Bora Bora during her trip to the South Pacific. FDR Library Photograph Collection, NPx 51-115:169(255).
Eleanor Roosvelt - trip to South West Pacific. FDR Library Photograph Collection, NPx 51-115:169(157).
Lieutenant General Millard F. Harmon, Commanding General of the South Pacific, Eleanor Roosevelt and Admiral William F. Halsey, Commander, South Pacific Force. In the background is a C-47 airplane with painting and titled "Our Eleanor", piloted by 1st Lieutenant Roger J. Bernard, Manchester, New Hampshire, in which Mrs. Roosevelt traveled. FDR Library Photograph Collection, NPx 57-496(1)a.
Letter from President Franklin D. Roosevelt to General Douglas MacArthur regarding Eleanor Roosevelt's trip to the South Pacific.(2 pages) President's Secretary's File, FDR Library.