Doris Kearns Goodwin American biographer, historian | Wikipedia
Doris Kearns Goodwin American biographer, historian | Wikipedia
Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin visited the Theodore Roosevelt Center at Dickinson State University on October 3 to conduct research for her upcoming projects. Goodwin, known for her biographies of American presidents, has spent decades writing about figures such as Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. Her book "No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II" earned her the Pulitzer Prize for History.
Dr. Michael Patrick Cullinane, Lowman Walton Chair of Theodore Roosevelt Studies and Co-Director of the Theodore Roosevelt Center, commented on Goodwin’s visit: “Doris Kearns Goodwin is one of America’s greatest treasures, and we are so excited that she is turning her hand to another book about T.R.”
Goodwin has contributed to public understanding of history through books, documentaries—including Ken Burns’ "The Roosevelts: An Intimate History"—and appearances on national television. During her time at the TR Center in western North Dakota, she praised its digital collections and research tools. She noted the efficiency with which materials could be accessed compared to other archives.
When reviewing documents related not only to Theodore Roosevelt but also to figures like J.P. Morgan, Goodwin said, “This is amazing! These are going to be great!” She expressed particular enthusiasm for finding 73 political cartoons featuring J.P. Morgan quickly through the Center’s resources.
Goodwin learned that her book "Leadership: In Turbulent Times" is included in Dickinson State University’s Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program curriculum. Asked about leadership qualities students should develop, she emphasized character and integrity, humility, empathy, resilience, accountability, ambition with purpose, vision, communication skills, emotional intelligence, and commitment to a cause greater than oneself.
Her advice echoed Roosevelt’s belief that leadership involves serving others rather than seeking personal recognition.
The staff at the TR Center showcased unique archival holdings such as papers from Edmund Morris and Sylvia Jukes Morris—biographers who chronicled aspects of the Roosevelt family—and described research tools like a “known person list” covering over 70,000 individuals connected to Roosevelt’s life.
“It’s incredible,” Goodwin said. “This is shocking—in the best way. We often have to do this research physically. To see it so accessible here is remarkable.”
The visit highlighted Dickinson State University’s role in preserving historical resources related to Theodore Roosevelt and supporting scholarly work on his legacy.
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