FDR Memorial
add photosThe FDR Memorial is a monument dedicated to the memory of U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the times in which he served.
3 Reviews for FDR Memorial
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"Surprisingly good for all ages"
In a city that's full of monuments and memorials, not all of them are entirely kid friendly. Some are hallowed ground, some are visited by mourners, some are for serious history buffs. The FDR memorial can accommodate both the serious history folk and families side by side.
Unlike a lot of very vertical, stair-intensive, crowded monuments, the FDR is more open and flat. While I find myself hushing my preschooler from enjoying the echoes at Lincoln's feet, his daily glee sticks out less at FDR. Designed for accessibility, the ground is flat, open, and even. You cannot wade or throw coins in the fountains, of course, but you can touch almost everything else, including the bronze statues of FDR, Eleanor, and their dog (probably the favorite for anyone in pre-school or grade school).
Crowds still abound -- it is DC, after all, but it's just tucked away enough that it isn't often swarmed with thousands. I keep my kids close by, but don't feel panicked by throngs of people.
For older kids and adults, the walls and stones are etched with FDR's words, most of which are as applicable today as they were in the mid-20th century. Water features and stone work in each of the four rooms -- one for each term in office -- speak to the growing chaos of FDR's time in office. Bronze statues commemorate the depression, the works programs, the fireside chats, and even FDR's death. Even little visitors can ask questions about how things were when...
Another bonus of the water features and nearby Tidal Basin: the slightest breeze can catch a fine mist and be remarkably cooling on DC's hot summer days. And while you're sitting and reflecting on times past and present, your kids can watch the planes descending towards National Airport and dropping their landing gear.
We went again just today (June 2010) with my husband's elderly aunts and our preschoolers. Everyone had a wonderful time.
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1 family found this helpful
"FDR Monument: A 'best kept' secret of DC memorials"
We visited two months ago the mem'l with our toddler and found the experience to be a great hour from both perspectives. We got to learn about FDR and our son got to run around and climb on some of the stonework and ham it up around the other tourists. From the Lincoln memorial it is a 15 min walk tops and gets you on the circuit around the Tidal basin, which also connects to another masterpiece of DC, the Jefferson Memorial. A must do if you have small kids while in DC.
1 family found this helpful
"FDR Memorial: A Man for All Seasons"
There's something fascinating about FDR. He was a statesman for many years. He didn't let polio interfere with his life. He lived in an era without intrusive media where he could cover up the fact that he needed a wheelchair to move around. He was beloved by our nation. He kept the nation going during the gloomy Great Depression.
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