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FDR's Ship Models

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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Explore a selection of ship models from FDR’s extensive collection.

President Roosevelt had a deep interest in the sea that dated back to his childhood when he heard stories from his Delano relatives about the family’s adventures in overseas trade. He spent a lifetime amassing a world-class collection of naval and maritime items, including ship models.

A highlight of the FDR Library and Museum when it opened in 1941 was the “Naval Room,” where FDR showcased selections from his collection of over 400 ship models. Roosevelt purchased some of these. Others were gifts from friends and admirers. Many were displayed in the White House during his presidency.

Watch this video of former Roosevelt Library Director Paul Sparrow as he leads a special tour inside the Library's Behind the Scenes storage area where FDR's priceless collection of rare ship models is kept: Click here to watch "Museum Collection - FDR's Ship Models".

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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Chinese Pleasure Boat Carving
MO 1941.5.31
Unknown
ca. early 20th century
Log In
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Unsinkable Lifeboat
MO 1941.7.1
Charles I. Nielsen
ca. 1934
Log In
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Alert
MO 1941.7.3
Josiah Grundy
ca. 1939
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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Alert
MO 1941.7.4
Josiah Grundy
ca. 1939
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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Barkentine
MO 1941.7.6
William Frederick McCoy
ca. 1940
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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Schooner-Ketch
MO 1941.7.7
William Frederick McCoy
ca. 1940
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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Success
MO 1941.7.11
Unknown
Log In
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
NRA
MO 1941.7.19
Curtis W. Van Dusen
ca. 1934
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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Sailing Vessel
MO 1941.7.30
Unknown
Log In
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Dog Star
MO 1941.7.31
Fitzgerald Pier dal Piaz
ca. 1936
Log In
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Wanderer
MO 1941.7.32
Charles A. Dunn Jr.
ca. 1933
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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Saturn
MO 1941.7.43
F. B. Ash
1937
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