Oval Office Desk

Franklin Roosevelt used this desk and chair in the White House Oval Office throughout the 12 years he served as President of the United States. At this historic desk he signed the act creating the Tennessee Valley Authority, the declarations of war with Japan and Germany, the GI Bill, and other landmark laws. Here he also met with national and world leaders and presided over hundreds of press conferences.

The desk was used previously by President Herbert Hoover. It was presented to Hoover by the Grand Rapids Furniture Manufacturer's Association in 1930. When President Roosevelt took office he kept his predecessor's office furnishings.

The objects on the desk all belonged to FDR. They are arranged largely as they were at the time of his death. Use this link to watch a video featuring Supervisory Curator Herman Eberhardt discuss the desk and a selection of items on the desk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3M5QHLCDoU