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Members receive individual notices and invitations to private FDR events; special members-only email notifications about all FDR Suite news and progress. Supporters receive the above, plus 2 free tickets to the lecture portion of the Annual FDR Memorial Lecture & Gala Dinner; preferred seating at all FDR events. Donors recieve the above, plus two free tickets to the gala dinner portion of the event. Trustees receive the above, plus one free night (a $200 value) per membership year in the restored FDR Suite (subject to availability, and proof of Harvard affiliation (see below) or by special permission of the Adams House Office or Masters). Angels receive the above, plus 4 additional nights per membership year. |
 Two-year old Westmorly Hall, in 1900, the year FDR arrived at Harvard; the FDR Suite, numbered B-17 since the 30s (though labeled B-27 in FDR's day) is the left hand corner suite on the ground floor just above the arrow. |
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The FDR Suite Foundation is a private charitable corporation formed in aid of the FDR Suite Restoration Project @ Adams House, Harvard University . Your contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
In this time of across-the-board cutbacks at Harvard, are University funds being used in the Restoration?
No. Other than normal day-to-day items such as heat, lighting and security provided to Wesmorly Hall in general, the University does not provide financial support to the project. The FDR Suite Restoration Project, as well as its scholarship efforts, will be entirely funded through donations made to the FDR Suite Foundation, Inc.
How will you use our donations?
In the first round of expenditure, funds are targeted for the physical preservation of FDR's Westmorly rooms: restoring and repairing the infrastructure of the suite; replacing and updating systems; and finally, acquiring period fixtures and furnishings to complete the decor and furnishing of the rooms. Once the Suite has been returned to its original 1900 appearance, secondary expenditures will include routine maintenance and improvements to the Suite; establishment of a scholarship fund to allow undergraduates to do original research at the FDR Presidential Library and Museum at Hyde Park; the endowment of an annual FDR Memorial Lecture at Adams House; and the establishment of an FDR Suite Internet Museum to showcase the Suite and Harvard Student Student Life at the turn of the 20th century for visitors from around the world.
Once completed, what will the Suite be used for?
The Suite will have a two-fold purpose. Its primary function will be as a memorial to FDR, as well as a museum of Harvard student life in 1900. In addition, the Suite will provide overnight guest accommodations for the University.
Who will be allowed to stay in the Suite?
The suite will be available for stays of 1-7 days. Occupancy is limited to official guests of the House or University; accredited FDR scholars; parents of current House members, Adams House/Harvard alumni; & patrons of the FDR Suite Restoration Project, as well as a to limited number of outside parties with House permission. In all cases, occupancy is subject to the continued approval of the Adams House Office or Masters, and no duration of stay can be pre-guaranteed.
Who will be allowed to visit the Suite?
Current plans provide for the opening of the Suite to interested members of the University on a regular basis; if security concerns can be addressed, the Suite may open to a limited public one or two days a year when students are not in residence.
Given the numerous tributes to Harvard-trained Presidents JFK and Teddy Roosevelt throughout the University, why is there no memorial to FDR at the College? He was after all, our longest serving Chief Executive!
The simplest answer is that FDR was thought by many at Harvard to be "a traitor to his class," reviled for his New Deal programs, which the wealthiest echelons of society – long established at Harvard – considered dangerously socialist. The Crimson, for instance, regularly editorialized against him; the administration of President Lowell was tepid at best towards Roosevelt, only grudgingly inviting him to speak at Harvard's tercentennial in 1936, despite the fact that FDR was both the current President of the United States and an Overseer of the College. The real answer is more complicated than that, of course, and may have something to do with the "New Deal fatigue" that set in after the Second World War. The public was simply tired of thinking about the Depression in 1945; by the time anti-Roosevelt feelings at the College had cooled sufficiently in the 50s and 60s, people were involved in other projects, other issues, and Roosevelt's time at Harvard was relegated to the forgotten backwater of history. Until now.
How can I receive more information?
To receive infomation and updates about the FDR Suite Restoration Project, click HERE to subscribe to our mailing list.
(Note the FDR Suite Restoration Project respects your privacy. Your email address will not be shared, with anyone, period.)
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© 2008-2010 The FDR Suite Foundation, Inc.
The Foundation
is a public 501(c)3 charity in benefit of the FDR Suite @ Adams House;
please support our restoration and scholarship activities by giving generously.