Library to host FDR Fireside Chat Jan. 28

The Lewes Public Library’s discussion series, Fireside Chats: Exploring the Roosevelt Legacy, will welcome host Paul Sparrow, former director of the FDR Presidential Library and Museum, at 5 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 28, in the library’s fireplace area, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes, and online via Zoom.

Sparrow will explore President Franklin Roosevelt’s experiences and changing viewpoints through the Gilded Age, Roaring ‘20s and Great Depression. In “The Haves and Have Nots,” he will look at how the changing social and economic times influenced Roosevelt’s personal and political views throughout his life.

Roosevelt was born into prosperity during the Gilded Age, with Astors, Vanderbilts and Morgans as childhood neighbors. After the first World War, the economy exploded, and the Roaring ‘20s seemed to offer unlimited possibilities driven by a stock market that only went up – until the Great Depression devastated the economy and drove millions of Americans into poverty. Roosevelt was caught up in these historic economic swings until his polio diagnosis. This era transformed FDR from an arrogant, privileged scion to a champion for the desperately poor.

Seating is limited, and registration is required. To register for either online or in-person attendance, go to lewes.lib.de.us or call 302-645-2733.