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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.
National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, Inc. Button
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, Inc. Button

Artifact IDMO 1990.5
Object Type Button, Promotional
Maker (American, founded 1895)
Gifter
Date1942
Mediumpaint on metal (tin)
Dimensionsoverall Diam 7/8 in (2.2 cm )
Physical DescriptionA round pinback button. The button has a white background, red border, and white, blue, and red text. At the center is a blue diamond and the wording: Celebrate / Our President's / Diamond Jubilee / Birthday / JOIN THE MARCH / OF DIMES. Around the edge of the piece is the text: THE NATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR INFANTILE PARALYSIS INC. The manufacturer's information is printed on the rim.
Historical NoteIn 1934, FDR began using the occasion of his birthday (January 30) to encourage Americans to hold “Birthday Balls” to raise funds for the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation, which operated the polio rehabilitation center he had established in 1927. In 1938, he created the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis (which became known as the March of Dimes) to support the Warm Springs Center and aid polio victims around the nation.

This pin was issued by the Foundation to celebrate the President’s Diamond Jubilee Birthday. The Diamond Jubilee Birthday Balls held in 1942 honored FDR on his 60th birthday and raised funds to combat polio. This pin is on display in THE MARCH OF DIMES AND FDR exhibit in the Museum’s FOUNDATIONS OF A PUBLIC LIFE gallery.

Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGift Items and Commemorative Artifacts (National Archives Identifier 782690)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - PossiblyCopyrightCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
In Collection(s)
On view
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