Peace Garden News

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, set to open in Medora in the summer of 2026, is the focus of a new legislative effort aimed at acquiring personal artifacts of the 26th U.S. president. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), along with Senators John Hoeven (R-ND) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), have introduced the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Museum Artifacts Act.

This bill utilizes existing law that permits presidential libraries to obtain federal funding through Congressional appropriations and to receive artifacts from the federal government. It also authorizes continued funding for the library's construction in Medora, ensuring the preservation of President Roosevelt’s history and legacy.

Senator Cramer emphasized the significance of Roosevelt's life beyond his presidency: “Teddy Roosevelt’s life was so much more than his presidency,” he said. “Our bill will help bring artifacts held by the federal government to Medora. Visitors from around the world will be immersed in the life of our favorite Rough Rider and experience firsthand the Badlands that shaped him.”

Senator Hoeven highlighted Roosevelt's connection to North Dakota: “The legacy of Theodore Roosevelt is inseparable from the history of North Dakota, with his time in the Dakota Territory having fundamentally shaped his perspective and character,” he stated. He added that both Theodore Roosevelt National Park and this new presidential library would honor Roosevelt's life and contributions to America, which is what their legislation aims to achieve.