Michele Albion and "The Quotable Eleanor Roosevelt" October 8

The Friends of the Dover Public Library are pleased to host Dover resident Michele Wehrwein Albion, editor of the new book, “The Quotable Eleanor Roosevelt”, on Tuesday, October 8 at 7pm.  Having researched Mrs. Roosevelt extensively, Michele will offer new insights into one of America’s most misunderstood First Ladies.

     Born in the late 1800s to one of the wealthiest families in New York City, Eleanor Roosevelt seemed destined for a traditional woman’s role within a sedate Victorian life. Instead, she married her fifth cousin and was flung into the highest levels of American politics, culminating in Franklin’s unprecedented four-term presidency. Eleanor’s bold opinions on political, social, and racial issues took many by surprise. She held press conferences and wrote a syndicated column. She spoke at national conventions, granted interviews, and often made appearances on her husband’s behalf. Her own influence lasted years beyond his death. She advocated for human rights, worked with the United Nations, and supported what later became the civil rights movement.

The fascinating quotes collected by Michele Albion reveal an articulate, honest, and thoughtful woman. Of war, she said, “I hope the day will come when all that inventing and mechanical genius will be used for other purposes.” At a time when racism prevailed, Eleanor said, “We must be proud of every one of our citizens, for regardless of nationality, or race, every one contributes to the welfare and culture of the nation.” Organized by topic—government, money, art, education, class, relationships, emotions—these quotations disclose not only Roosevelt’s personal thoughts shared in letters and conversations, but also her strong opinions expressed in speeches and interviews. Each gives evidence of her character and her beliefs. Her words continue to resonate today.      

 Michele Wehrwein Albion grew up in Maine with a great respect for the past. She has

 degrees from the University of Maine and George Washington University. Before becoming a writer, Albion worked at the Fort Western Museum, The Maine State Museum, The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and The Edison and Ford Winter Estates. She is the author of “The Florida Life of Thomas Edison” and editor of “The Quotable Edison” and “The Quotable Henry Ford”. One reviewer has called her new book “Clearly the definitive book of Eleanor Roosevelt quotes. Albion does excellent work weeding out all the apocryphal quotes so often attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt, giving us only the real thing.” Signed copies of “The Quotable Eleanor Roosevelt” will be available for purchase. This program is free and open to the public.  For more information, please contact the Dover Public Library at 603-516-6050.