I hope you all enjoyed a safe and happy Independence Day. Incredibly, July 4, 2022, is only four years to the date of our grand opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library! On this historic date for America, we have some good news to share. 

Thanks to the generosity of the Roosevelt family and the hard work of many of our team and supporters, the TRPL has acquired 90.3 acres of land from the U.S. Forest Service. This historic sale marks the first time in our nation’s history that an act of Congress, in this case the Theodore Roosevelt Land Conveyance Act of 2020, has made land available for the creation of a presidential library.

The TRPL is also happy to report that the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation (TRMF), our crucial and interdependent partner on this ambitious project, have donated 3.5 acres of land towards the Library’s mission. This gift and our Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) marks the beginning of a historic partnership between TRPL and TRMF, both of which are dedicated to preserving the legacy of our 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt.

Finally, I am glad to share some details about our Native Plant Project. The TRPL is committed to upholding T.R.’s legacy of conservation and stewardship in the Badlands that he cared so deeply about. In collaboration with North Dakota State University (NDSU), students, community volunteers, and ecology professionals are collecting seeds for the future T.R. Library landscape from across the Little Missouri Badlands region, including Roosevelt’s own Maltese Cross Cabin and Elkhorn Ranch properties. This project will ensure that the future library site’s habitat is restored and populated with native plants.

I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer and thank you for your continued support of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.

With Gratitude,

Cora Paulbeck joined the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation in July 2020, and is currently serving as an Advancement Officer. Cora lives in Brooklyn, New York and works out of the New York City office, but frequently travels back to her home state of North Dakota. Cora and her husband, Matt, recently tied the knot in June 2022 and enjoyed a honeymoon in Italy. 

Q & A with Cora:

Q: Where are you originally from? What was your favorite part about your childhood?I’m originally from rural Mapleton, North Dakota which is west of West Fargo. Growing up in North Dakota, I looked forward to each season (even the winter!). Summer meant summer vacation and going to my grandparents’ farm around planting and harvest time to get the freshest cookies. The cookies usually were meant for the hired hands, but the grandchildren had their fair share too. Winter called for snowmobiling with my sister and dad while our dog tried to keep up with us. Growing up in ND, you always try and make-do no matter what the temperature outside is.

Q: What has your career and work been focused on thus far?

I have always worked for nonprofits or governmental organizations because I believe in giving back to my communities. I enjoy working for mission-based organizations as they strive to make a difference.

Q: What drew you to the TRPL project?

I think this project will really be impactful and important for the state of North Dakota and the nation. I was fortunate to join early-on in the project, and it has been very rewarding to see the progress that has been made so far. I cannot wait to walk into the actual physical building that will be the T.R. Library.

Q: What’s your favorite T.R. quote or story?

“Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.”

Q: What do you like to do for fun?

I enjoy trying new restaurants, traveling, and running. I am currently training to run my seventh marathon.