Central ND News

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

This proposed legislation builds on existing laws that allow presidential libraries to receive federal funding through Congressional appropriations and acquire artifacts from the federal government. It also provides authorization for continued construction funding for the library in Medora, ensuring that President Roosevelt's history and legacy are preserved.

“Teddy Roosevelt’s life was so much more than his presidency,” stated one of the senators involved. “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.”

Another senator highlighted, “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 added, “Between the Theodore Roosevelt National Park and this new presidential library, our state will honor his life and his lasting contributions to our nation. That’s exactly what we seek to help accomplish through our legislation.”