Fun Facts About Eleanor Roosevelt
Eleanor Roosevelt was the longest-serving, most-traveling, and bravest First Lady ever! Wife of Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933–1945), she wasn’t just a helper—she was a superhero for human rights, kids, and fairness. Here are ten kid-friendly fun facts about the incredible Eleanor Roosevelt!
- She Was FDR’s Cousin (and His Wife!)
Eleanor married her fifth cousin once removed, Franklin, in 1905—President Teddy Roosevelt walked her down the aisle! - She Flew with the First Woman to Fly Across the Atlantic
In 1933, Eleanor took a daring night flight with pilot Amelia Earhart—imagine soaring with two legends! - She Held Her Own Press Conferences (Ladies Only!)
Eleanor invited only female reporters—over 300 meetings—so women journalists could get big stories! - She Wrote a Newspaper Column Every Day
For 26 years she wrote “My Day,” sharing her thoughts six days a week—basically the first presidential blogger! - She Traveled Over 40,000 Miles in One Year
During World War II, Eleanor visited soldiers in hospitals and camps all over the world—more than most presidents! - She Helped Write the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
After FDR died, Eleanor led the United Nations team that created this super-important list of rights for everyone on Earth! - She Had a Secret Cottage Called Val-Kill
Eleanor built her own cozy getaway in Hyde Park, New York, where she relaxed and even made furniture! - She Drove Her Own Car (Even When Secret Service Hated It)
Eleanor zoomed around in her little roadster—sometimes speeding so fast agents couldn’t keep up! - She Was Called “First Lady of the World”
The United Nations and President Truman gave her this nickname because she cared about people everywhere! - She Never Stopped Working—Even at 78
Eleanor kept teaching, writing, and fighting for fairness until the day she died—she was unstoppable!
