Federal Legislation Introduced to Support Construction of Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota

Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota Receives Federal Funding Boost

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Excitement is brewing among supporters of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota as new federal legislation has been introduced to help build the library and showcase artifacts of the 26th president.

Last week, North Dakota’s all-Republican congressional delegation announced a bill that would authorize funding for the library’s construction and preservation efforts. The bill includes a $50 million grant from the Interior Department, with most of the funds going towards creating museum spaces within the facility.

Matt Briney, the library’s chief communications officer, expressed gratitude for the bill, stating that it will enable federal agencies to collaborate with the library’s organizers to feature Roosevelt items in the museum.

The project, which is currently under construction near Medora in the Badlands, has already raised $240 million in private donations. With complete construction costs estimated at $333 million, the library is well on its way to becoming a reality.

Planned exhibits at the library will offer a chronological view of Roosevelt’s life, including galleries dedicated to his early years, time in the Badlands, travels to the Amazon, and his presidency. The library is set to open on July 4, 2026, coinciding with the United States’ 250th anniversary of independence.

The bill requires a two-thirds match from state funds or non-federal sources and prohibits the federal money from being used for the library’s maintenance or operations. Despite some scrutiny from state lawmakers, the library’s CEO, Ed O’Keefe, remains confident in the project’s funding sources.

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library will be privately held, distinguishing it from other presidential libraries that have been transferred to the federal government. The legislation’s financial support is seen as a crucial step in preserving the history and legacy of President Roosevelt for generations to come.

The bill has garnered praise from descendants of Theodore Roosevelt, as well as North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, who have championed the library’s development. With construction well underway and a grand opening planned for 2026, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is poised to become a landmark destination for history enthusiasts and visitors alike.