National Maritime Historical Society is honored to host this presentation by author Robert F. Cross that will provide a behind-the-scenes look at Franklin D. Roosevelt's extraordinary skill as a blue-water sailor and explore how FDR's love of the sea shaped his approach to public service and even influenced the course of events in World War Two. In this presentation, Robert Cross will share accounts from family and friends, secret Service agents, and others that reveal never before-told stories of their days afloat with America's greatest seafaring president, including how he escaped injury when fire broke out aboard his small schooner, how ships were modified to accommodate his disability, and details of his wartime ocean rendezvous with Winston Churchill.

About the Speaker:
Robert F. Cross, an award-winning newspaper correspondent, spent more than a decade exploring FDR’s love of the sea. In his book, Sailor in the White House Robert Cross examines Roosevelt's great affection for the sea in the context of an era dominated by the Great Depression and two world wars. Cross served as an assistant environmental commissioner for New York State and is now water Commissioner for the City of Albany. Cross also serves as Commissioner of the Port of Albany, a year round Hudson River Seaport dedicated to in 1932 by Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt. He is a trustee of the museum ship USS Slater, the only World War II destroyer escort still afloat in the United States and moored on the Hudson River in Albany.

Join Us! The Public is invited!

Please contact the National Maritime Historical Society at 914-737-7878, ext. 0 if you plan to attend.
Coffee is at 10:30 AM. The presentation is at 11:00 AM.