Archives and Museums: Balance and Development in Presidential Libraries

Abstract

The nation's presidential libraries are pillars of the American archival profession, and their adjoining museums serve as popular tourist destinations. Franklin D. Roosevelt created the modern presidential library with both elements in place, to ensure access to enduring documentary evidence of the presidency for the scholarly community as well as the general public. What are the origins of Roosevelt's decision? How did his successors tailor their individual presidential libraries to reflect their desires and the standards of changing times and expectations? Has the dual mission of archival and museum operations retained its balance and integrity over the intervening sixty-plus years? An overview of the origins and development of the presidential library system seeks to answer these questions and reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the system.