Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota receives a boost from new federal legislation that authorizes $50 million in funding for the construction and preservation of artifacts belonging to the 26th president. The bill, introduced by North Dakota’s all-Republican congressional delegation, aims to create museum spaces within the facility to showcase Roosevelt’s history and legacy. The library, located near Medora in the Badlands where Roosevelt once roamed, is set to open on July 4, 2026, the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence.
The project has already raised $240 million in private donations and requires an additional $333 million for complete construction. Various exhibits planned for the library include a chronological view of Roosevelt’s life, highlighting his early years, time in the Badlands, travels to the Amazon, and his presidency. The bill stipulates a two-thirds match from state funds or non-federal sources, and prohibits federal money from being used for maintenance or operations of the library. The library organizers have secured a $70 million line of credit from the state-owned Bank of North Dakota, but have yet to utilize it.
Supporters of the library, including descendant Theodore “Ted” Roosevelt V and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, view the bill as a valuable investment in historical preservation. While some, like Republican state Rep. Jim Kasper, have expressed concerns about taxpayer dollars being used for the project, library CEO Ed O’Keefe has assured that private funds will cover the majority of the expenses. The library is expected to be privately held, following in the footsteps of other presidential libraries which have received initial funding from state and local governments before being transferred to the federal government.
The library’s organizers have met the state’s requirements for construction funding, having raised the necessary $100 million in private donations prior to accessing the allocated $50 million endowment. The bill’s passage marks a significant milestone in the journey towards completing the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, which aims to honor the legacy of one of America’s most iconic presidents. The library is expected to attract visitors from across the country and serve as a valuable educational resource for generations to come.
