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

Wheelchair Used by Franklin Roosevelt

Artifact IDMO 1947.93.74
Object Type Wheelchair
Maker
Mediumwood, metal, fabric, glass, velvet
Dimensionsoverall (with ashtray pulled out) H 37 1/4 in x W 22 1/2 in x D 38 in (94.6 cm x 57.2 cm x 96.5 cm )
Physical DescriptionA small, armless wheelchair. The wooden seat (a modified kitchen chair with the number "18" underneath) is mounted on a black metal frame with two large wheels at the front, two small pivoting wheels at the back, and a wooden footrest (number "17" underneath). The seat has a removable rubber sponge cushion covered with brown velvet fabric. A swivel mounted glass ash tray is installed on the right side of the wheelchair.
Historical NotePresident Roosevelt used this wheelchair during his frequent visits to the Roosevelt Library from 1941-1945. The wheelchair is one of several built to his specifications. FDR had workers cut the legs off of an ordinary wooden chair and mount it to a custom-designed chassis. The wheelchair is on display in FDR'S PRIVATE STUDY in the Permanent Exhibit.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum as a bequest of Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 20, 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPersonal Possessions of the Roosevelt Family (National Archives Identifier 782689)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
CopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
On view
Related Links
YouTube video featuring Supervisory Curator Herman Eberhardt discussing President Roosevelt's disability and his wheelchair: "Museum Collection - FDR's Wheelchair"