Room Four Fountain

Room Four Fountain

Photo: NPS / Terry Adams

Quick Facts

Amenities

4 listed

Audio Description, Braille, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Tactile Exhibit

The United Nations

FDR believed that the failure of an international organization after World War I led directly to World War II. Under Roosevelt's urging, representatives from 26 countries signed a "Declaration by United Nations" in 1942. After FDR died, Eleanor Roosevelt served as a delegate to the UN. She chaired the commission that adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. 

FDR (seated, second from the left) signed the "Declaration by United Nations" in Washington on January 1, 1942. The countries agreed to "defend life, liberty, independence and religious freedom, and to preserve human rights and justice in their own lands as well as in other lands." 

Room Four Fountain

The United States created a diplomatic framework to prevent another world war. The fear of nuclear war between former allies and nuclear powers the United States and the Soviet Union maintained a Cold War peace. The unorderly blocks in this fountain represent this uneasy stability. The two adversaries remained at odds throughout the second half of the 20th century.

Memorial Quotes in Room Four

"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. Let us move forward with strong and active faith." Undelivered Address, Prepared for April 13, 1945

"Freedom of speech... Freedom of worship... Freedom from want... Freedom from fear." Annual Address to Congress, January 6, 1941
 

Etched on the middle three stairs:

“January 30, 1882, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Born At Hyde Park, New York. 1905 Marries Anna Eleanor Roosevelt. 1921, Stricken With Poliomyelitis – He Never Again Walked Unaided. 1928-1932, Governor Of New York."

"1932, Pledges “a New Deal” For The American People. 1932, Elected Thirty-second President Of The United States. 1933, Delivers First Fireside Chat. 1936, Re-elected To Second Term As President. 1940, Re-elected To Third Term As President.”

“1941, Delivers Four Freedoms Speech. 1941, Japan Attacks Pearl Harbor – War Declared. 1941, Germany And Japan Declare War On The United States. 1944, Re-elected To Fourth Term As President. April 12, 1945, Dies At Warm Springs, Georgia.”