Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota Receives Federal Funding Boost
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The supporters of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota are celebrating a new federal legislation that will provide funding to help build the library and showcase artifacts of the 26th president. Roosevelt, who as a young man hunted and ranched in the state during its territorial days, holds a special place in the hearts of North Dakotans.
The bill, announced by North Dakota’s all-Republican congressional delegation, authorizes $50 million in one-time funding from the Interior Department for the library’s construction. Matt Briney, the library’s chief communications officer, stated that most of the funding will go towards creating museum spaces within the facility.
The project has already raised $240 million in private donations, surpassing the $100 million goal set for construction. The library is set to cost $333 million in total, with construction currently underway near Medora in the Badlands where Roosevelt once roamed.
Planned exhibits at the library will include a chronological view of Roosevelt’s life, showcasing his early years, time in the Badlands, travels to the Amazon, and his presidency. The library is expected to open on July 4, 2026, in time for the United States’ 250th anniversary of independence.
While some have raised concerns about the use of taxpayer dollars for the project, supporters argue that the investment in preserving Roosevelt’s history and legacy is a wise one. The bill requires a two-thirds match from state funds or non-federal sources and prohibits the federal money from being used for maintenance or operations of the library.
Overall, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is shaping up to be a significant historical and cultural landmark in North Dakota, honoring the legacy of one of America’s most iconic presidents.