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

Wisdom Magazine Award

Artifact IDMO 1966.10
Object Type Award
Artist (French sculptor, 1840-1917)
Gifter
Maker
Date1956
Mediumwood, metal
Dimensionsoverall H 12 in x W 5 3/4 in x D 6 3/4 in (30.5 cm x 14.6 cm x 17.1 cm )
Physical DescriptionA Wisdom Magazine award issued to Eleanor Roosevelt. The award consists of a carved wood figurine - a version of August Rodin's sculpture, "The Thinker" - attached to a two-tiered wooden base. Attached to the front of the base is a metal plaque with an engraved inscription that reads: FIRST ANNUAL / WISDOM MAGAZINE / AWARD / PRESENTED TO / ELEANOR ROOSEVELT / FOR SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO KNOWLEDGE / 1956 / LEON GUTTERMAN / EDITOR AND PUBLISHER.
Historical NoteThough Wisdom Magazine issued this award to Eleanor Roosevelt in 1956, she didn't receive it in person until 1958. She wrote about receiving the award in the February 15, 1958 edition of her popular "My Day" newspaper column, sharing: "I went to the headquarters of Wisdom Magazine Wednesday to receive an award that had been held there for me for some time and met the staff of this interesting publication. Until I sat in the editor's office I had not realized in what illustrious company I had been placed as one of the magazine's cover personalities, for Professor Will Durant had been chosen to follow me in the series the magazine was publishing. Professor Durant was kind enough to join us on Wednesday, which I felt was a great honor. To reach the Wisdom Magazine office, you have to climb two flights of stairs. And to sugar-coat this climb, there is a sign at the top reading: 'The way to Wisdom is a long, hard climb, but the rewards are eternal.'"

Eleanor Roosevelt was featured in the January 1, 1957 special edition of Wisdom Magazine.
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 SeriesGift Items and Commemorative Artifacts (National Archives Identifier 782690)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
CopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view