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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.
Great Americans

Great Americans

Artifact IDMO 1951.64.23
Object Type Picture
Designer (American)
Date1945
Mediumpaper (photographic)
Dimensionsoverall H 13 7/8 in x W 11 in (35.2 cm x 27.9 cm )
Physical DescriptionA patriotic World War II victory print. The print features a color drawing of the Statue of Liberty with a portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt at the center. Portraits of Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson encircle the Statue of Liberty. At the bottom of the print is a large red and white “V” for victory along with the title, “GREAT AMERICANS.”
Historical NoteThis 1945 patriotic picture was designed by William Warner Cone and finished for him by an artist. Cone, a shipyard worker in Tampa, Florida, created the piece as a tribute to the five individuals he considered the greatest Americans. He originally intended the print as a gift for President Franklin D. Roosevelt and had prepared a letter dated April 11, 1945 to go with it. However, President Roosevelt passed away the following day, before the letter and picture could be mailed.

Still wishing to honor the late President, Mr. Cone eventually sent the print and the original letter to Eleanor Roosevelt on July 22, 1945, along with a secondary letter explaining the circumstances.Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Eleanor Roosevelt.
Credit LineGift of Eleanor Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPortraits (National Archives Identifier 778816)
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.
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