Theodore Roosevelt Association

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Chartered by Congress in 1920, the Theodore Roosevelt Association perpetuates the legacy of the twenty-sixth President of the United States.

11/09/2026

in 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt Breaks Presidential Tradition!

On November 9, 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt departed Washington aboard the presidential yacht Mayflower, transferring to the battleship USS Louisiana for a historic journey that made him the first sitting American president to visit a foreign country.

Before departing, President Theodore Roosevelt reportedly declared:

“I'm off for the ditch!”

Accompanied by First Lady Edith Roosevelt, he traveled to Panama to personally inspect construction of the Panama Canal.

Arriving on November 14th, President Theodore Roosevelt spent three days touring construction sites, trudging through mud, inspecting workers' living conditions, and meeting laborers. Rather than attend a formal luncheon, the Roosevelts famously ate a 30-cent meal alongside hundreds of canal workers.

President Theodore Roosevelt also spent approximately 20 minutes operating a massive steam shovel at the Culebra Cut, creating one of the most iconic photographs of his presidency.

The Panama Canal officially opened on August 15, 1914, transforming global commerce and naval transportation.

120 years later, Theodore Roosevelt's journey remains a historic presidential first and a testament to his hands-on leadership.

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11/08/2026

in 1904, Theodore Roosevelt Wins the Presidency in a Landslide Victory!

On November 8, 1904, President Theodore Roosevelt won his first presidential election in his own right, defeating Democratic challenger Alton B. Parker in a landslide victory. Theodore Roosevelt captured 56.4% of the popular vote and 336 electoral votes, compared with Parker’s 140 electoral votes.

Theodore Roosevelt had assumed the presidency on September 14, 1901, following the assassination of President William McKinley. His victory in 1904 made him the first president in American history to win election to a full term after succeeding a president who had died in office.

The election delivered a powerful endorsement of Roosevelt’s leadership and his vision of a “Square Deal” for the American people. His record already included efforts to regulate powerful corporations and mediate disputes between business and labor. His elected term would bring further reforms, including the landmark Pure Food and Drug Act and Meat Inspection Act of 1906.

Following his victory, Theodore Roosevelt acknowledged the responsibility entrusted to him, declaring:

“I am deeply sensible of the honor done me by the American people in thus expressing their confidence in what I have done and have tried to do.”

The victory secured Theodore Roosevelt a full term of his own and set the stage for four more years of reform that helped define the Progressive Era.

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Learn More at www.theodoreroosevelt.org

11/07/2026

Celebrating Theodore Roosevelt’s Conservation Legacy on !

When Theodore Roosevelt first traveled to the Dakota Badlands in 1883, he came to hunt the American bison. What he witnessed helped transform him into one of America's greatest conservation champions.

Once numbering 30–40 million, the American bison had been driven to the brink of extinction by the late 1800s, with fewer than 1,000 remaining.

As President, Theodore Roosevelt championed efforts to save the species, becoming honorary president of the American Bison Society in 1905 and supporting historic initiatives.

In 1907, with Theodore Roosevelt's support, 15 bison were transported from the Bronx Zoo to Oklahoma's Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, helping establish a new herd.

On May 9, 2016, President Barack Obama signed the National Bison Legacy Act, officially designating the American bison—North America's largest land mammal—as our National Mammal.

Today, the bison's remarkable recovery stands as a testament to Theodore Roosevelt's enduring conservation legacy and the importance of protecting America's natural treasures for future generations.

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Learn More at www.theodoreroosevelt.org

11/07/2026

The Theodore Roosevelt Association is pleased to announce its leadership appointments for the 2026–2027 term, reaffirming the organization's commitment to perpetuating the legacy, memory, and ideals of President Theodore Roosevelt.

LtCol Gregory A. Wynn, USMC (Ret.), has been reelected to continue serving as Chair and President of the Theodore Roosevelt Association. Under his leadership, the TRA has continued to strengthen its programs, expand partnerships, and advance its mission.

Additionally, Vice Admiral David Architzel, USN (Ret.), has been named the inaugural Vice President for Naval Affairs of the TRA. In this role, he will provide leadership and oversight of the TRA’s programs, activities, partnerships, and communications with the U.S. Navy, particularly the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71). VADM Architzel served as the ship’s Commanding Officer from 1996 to 1998 and retired in 2012 following nearly four decades of distinguished naval service.

The TRA is also pleased to congratulate the following individuals on their appointments to new leadership positions:

Executive Committee
- Michael J. Sacopulos: Executive Committee Member

Board of Trustees
- CAPT Daniel Grieco, USN (Ret.): Trustee, Class of 2029
- RADM Richard O’Hanlon, USN (Ret.): Trustee, Class of 2029

Advisory Board
- Gabriella Frame: Advisory Board Member, Class of 2029
- Dr. Gene Kopelson: Advisory Board Member, Class of 2029
- Prof. Andrew Porwancher: Advisory Board Member, Class of 2029

These appointments bring valuable experience, leadership, and perspectives to the TRA as it continues to expand its national reach and strengthen its commitment to scholarship, youth development, law enforcement, military service, and conservation.

The Theodore Roosevelt Association extends its sincere congratulations to all those elected and appointed to leadership positions and looks forward to working together to build upon the organization's momentum and carry Theodore Roosevelt's enduring legacy into the future.

Become a TRA Member Today!
Learn More at www.theodoreroosevelt.org

11/06/2026

A Historic Gathering in the Badlands: Relive the 2026 Theodore Roosevelt Convention!

Nearly 300 attendees, renowned historians, distinguished speakers, unforgettable entertainment, and a shared passion for Theodore Roosevelt’s legacy made the first-ever Theodore Roosevelt Convention ( ) a truly historic gathering!

Held at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota, this landmark event brought together the Theodore Roosevelt Association and Theodore Roosevelt Center at Dickinson State University for an extraordinary weekend of scholarship, partnership, and celebration.

Now you can relive the experience!

Read the full recap by Dr. Michael Cullinane and TRA Executive Director Chris Cosentino on the TRA website, highlighting the memorable moments, speakers, and experiences that made so special.

Explore photos capturing the people and highlights of this historic weekend. Thank you to the media team at Dickinson State University!

Watch recorded sessions featuring fascinating discussions, keynote presentations, and entertainment on the TRA’s new YouTube Channel!

Visit www.theodoreroosevelt.org/news to read the full story and explore the highlights.

Thank you to everyone who helped make an unforgettable success. We look forward to seeing you in New York in October 2027 for the TRA’s 108th Annual Meeting!

11/06/2026

in 1900, Theodore Roosevelt is elected Vice President of the United States.

On November 6, 1900, Theodore Roosevelt was elected Vice President of the United States alongside President William McKinley, defeating Democratic challengers William Jennings Bryan and Adlai E. Stevenson.

At just 42 years old, Theodore Roosevelt was serving as Governor of New York when he joined the Republican ticket. Some political leaders viewed the vice presidency as a way to sideline the energetic reformer and limit his growing political influence.

But history had other plans.

Less than a year later, following President McKinley’s assassination, Theodore Roosevelt became the nation’s 26th president on September 14, 1901, at just 42 years old - making him the youngest person in American history to assume the presidency.

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Learn More at www.theodoreroosevelt.org

11/05/2026

in 1912, former President Theodore Roosevelt made history in one of America's most remarkable presidential elections.

Running as the candidate of the newly formed Progressive Party, popularly known as the Bull Moose Party, Theodore Roosevelt finished second with 27.4% of the popular vote and 88 electoral votes, ahead of incumbent Republican President William Howard Taft, who received just eight electoral votes. Democrat Woodrow Wilson won the presidency with 435 electoral votes and approximately 41.8% of the popular vote.

Theodore Roosevelt's campaign championed progressive reforms, including women's suffrage, workers' rights, corporate regulation, and greater government accountability.

Just three weeks earlier, on October 14th, Theodore Roosevelt had survived an assassination attempt in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Despite being shot in the chest, he delivered a lengthy campaign speech before receiving medical treatment.

Although defeated, Theodore Roosevelt accepted the election results with grace, declaring:

“Like all other good citizens, I accept the result with entire good humor and contentment.”

He also emphasized that the Progressive cause was greater than any individual leader:

“The fate of the leader for the time being is of little consequence, but the cause itself must in the end triumph.”

Theodore Roosevelt remains the only third-party presidential candidate since the emergence of the modern Republican Party to finish second in the Electoral College.

More than a century later, the 1912 election remains a defining chapter in Theodore Roosevelt's legacy of reform, leadership, respect for the democratic process, and determination to stand by his principles.

Become a TRA Member Today!
Learn More at www.theodoreroosvelt.org

11/04/2026

Theodore Roosevelt Association Treasurer and longtime member Michael Moran recently visited the Normandy American Cemetery in France to pay his respects to Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt Jr., eldest son of President Theodore Roosevelt and a hero of D-Day.

On June 6, 1944, at age 56, Theodore Roosevelt Jr. landed on Utah Beach with the first wave of the 4th Infantry Division. Strong currents had carried his troops nearly 2,000 yards south of their intended landing site. Armed with his cane and extraordinary resolve, Theodore Roosevelt Jr. assessed the situation and famously declared, "We'll start the war from right here!"

His leadership helped secure the beachhead and move Allied forces inland.

Just five weeks later, on July 12, 1944, Theodore Roosevelt Jr. died of a heart attack in France. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary courage and leadership on D-Day.

Today, he rests at the Normandy American Cemetery alongside his younger brother, Quentin Roosevelt, a World War I aviator killed in action in 1918.

🇺🇸 We remember. We honor. We never forget.

Become a TRA Member Today!
Learn More at www.theodoreroosevelt.org

11/04/2026

The Theodore Roosevelt Association Holiday Store is NOW OPEN!

Just in time for the holidays, shop exclusive TRA merchandise while supporting the Theodore Roosevelt Association!

From polos, quarter-zips, and vests to perfect stocking stuffers like TRA blankets, winter hats, and Theodore Roosevelt socks, there's something for everyone on your holiday shopping list!

Hurry! The Holiday Store is open for a limited time, through November 17th!

Don't miss your chance to give the gift of Theodore Roosevelt this holiday season while helping us preserve his legacy and inspire future generations.

Shop Today: https://midwest.mycommercio.com/traholiday2026

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