It may come as a surprise to many but, until now, there has been no presidential library dedicated to Theodore Roosevelt.
TR was a New Yorker by chance, and a North Dakotan by choice; he was an easterner and a westerner, but above all he was quintessentially American.
The Badlands of North Dakota is a striking landscape that spoke to Roosevelt when he first visited in September 1883 to hunt buffalo. He returned not long after, seeking refuge following the deaths of his wife, Alice, and his mother, Mittie, on the same day, February 14, 1884.
It was in the Badlands that Roosevelt grieved and healed as he pursued the “strenuous life,” transforming himself from a frail and underweight city dweller into a larger-than-life character, as he is popularly remembered today. TR himself credited his time in the Badlands as one of the foundational experiences of his life. Now, timed to coincide with our country’s 250th anniversary on July 4th, his presidential library will have its grand opening.
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library will be located in Medora, North Dakota.
Part of the library will involve an immersive experience including the voices of previous presidents and, notably, Mr. Tom Selleck.
On April 29, 2026 The Sound Palace recorded Mr. Selleck’s narration for the exhibit.