The interactive timeline below depicts important events and milestones relevant to this exhibition, from the period of the early 1930’s through today. Events are tracked across three categories:
Franklin D. Roosevelt 
Norman Rockwell 
world events
Prime Minister – Winston Churchill
1940 / 1940sWinston Churchill delivers his first speech to the House of Commons as prime minister – he offers the nation nothing but ‘blood, toil, tears and sweat’
Rockwell illustrates the Heritage Edition of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”
1940 / 1940s“Lemme see him, Huck. My he’s pretty stiff!” , Norman Rockwell. 1940 Illustration for The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, 1940.
FDR signs the Selective Training and Service Act
1940 / 1940sAuthorizing the first peace-time military draft in U.S. history
FDR – “Fireside Chat”
May 26, 1940 / 1940sNational Defense and Military Readiness (May 26, 1940) WH
President Roosevelt speaks to the American public, reassuring the nation that the US is prepared to deal with threats and points out that military strength is expanding
Rockwell’s “A Scout is Loyal,” in Boy Scout calendar
1940 / 1940sA Scout is Loyal, Norman Rockwell. 1940 Oil on canvas, 31 1/8 x 29 1/8″ Illustration for Boys’ Life, February 1942
President Roosevelt, campaigning for a third term
October 3, 1940 / 1940sHe assures Americans that he will not send their sons to fight in Europe’s war
FDR wins an unprecedented third US presidential term
November 5, 1940 / 1940sAlbeit it with a considerably reduced share of the vote
Photo: Public Domain
Photo Credit: Campaign Photo, Franklin D. Roosevelt
President Roosevelt – Delivers the “Four Freedoms”
January 6, 1941 / 1940sPresident Roosevelt defines to Congress his concept
Four Freedoms – of speech, of worship, from want, from fear
Photo: Engraving of the Four Freedoms at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Photo: Creative Commons
“Four Freedoms” – promotion begins
January 6, 1941 / 1940sPoster promoting FDR’s Four Freedoms
Photo: Public Domain
Rockwell’s “Girl Reading the Post,” published cover
March 1, 1941 / 1940sGirl Reading the Post, Norman Rockwell. 1941. Oil on canvas, 35 ¼” x 27 ¼ “ Cover illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, March 1, 1941 From the permanent collection of Norman Rockwell Museum ©1941 SEPS: Licensed by Curtis Publishing, Indianapolis, IN
The US army invests in a significant new vehicle – ordering 16,000 jeeps
1941 / 1940sCongress passes the Lend-lease Act
March 11, 1941 / 1940sLend-lease Act enables President Roosevelt to provide much needed help to US allies
Rockwell’s Illustration “Strictly a Sharpshooter”
1941 / 1940sStrictly a Sharpshooter, Norman Rockwell. 1941, Oil on canvas, 30” x 71” Story illustration for American Magazine, June 1941 From the permanent collection of Norman Rockwell Museum. © Norman Rockwell Family Agency
Roosevelt appoints Douglas MacArthur
July 26, 1941 / 1940sMacArthur appointed commander of US forces in the Far East
Photo: Public Domain
Roosevelt and Churchill claim the future
August 14, 1941 / 1940sRoosevelt and Churchill publish a joint Atlantic Charter, foreseeing a future free from ‘Nazi tyranny’
Roosevelt and Churchill
August 14, 1941 / 1940sRoosevelt and Churchill publish a joint Atlantic Charter, foreseeing a future free from ‘Nazi tyranny’
Their relationship grew throughout the war, and in the end was authentically self-serving, candid, and strongly connected
Photo: Courtesy of the FDR Library Photograph Collection
FDR – “Fireside Chat”
September 11, 1941 / 1940sPresident Roosevelt speaks on Freedom of the Seas
Photo: Public Domain
Rockwell’s “Willie Gillis: Package from Home,” published cover
October 4, 1941 / 1940sWillie Gillis: Food Package, Norman Rockwell. 1941 Oil on canvas, 38 x 50″
Cover illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, October 4 1941 ©1941 SEPS: Licensed by Curtis Publishing, Indianapolis, IN
Attack on Pearl Harbor
December 7, 1941 / 1940sAftermath of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor
Photo: Courtesy of the Franklin Roosevelt Library
“A date which will live in infamy.”
December 8, 1941 / 1940sPresident Roosevelt declares “a date which will live in infamy.” Congress responds by declaring war on Japan.
Photo: Public Domain
Photo Credits: Vice President Henry Wallace, Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn, Rayburn, is Roosevelt’s son James
FDR – “Fireside Chat”
December 9, 1941 / 1940sPresident Roosevelt signs the declaration of war against Imperial Japan, and then speaks to the nation on War with Japan
Photo: Public Domain
President Roosevelt – “United Nations” inception
January 1, 1942 / 1940sPresident Roosevelt informally meets with Winston Churchill, Soviet Foreign Minister Maxim Litvinov, and Chinese Ambassador T.V. Son
They sign a declaration pledge for liberty, religious freedom, and the preservation of human rights. FDR later names this coalition the “United Nations”
Photo: Public Domain
Image Credit: Poster created during the Second World War (1943)
The Roosevelt administration
January 10, 1942 / 1940sSupported price control bill is voted by the Senate 83 to 1
FDR – “Fireside Chat”
February 23, 1942 / 1940sPresident Roosevelt speaks on Progress of the War
Photo: Public Domain
Rockwell begins work on “Four Freedoms”
1942 / 1940s
Rockwell creates US Army War Poster, “Let’s Give Him Enough and On Time”
1942 / 1940sLet’s Give Him Enough and on Time, Norman Rockwell. 1942 Oil on canvas, 42 x 50″
United States Army, 1942 Collection of the United States Army Center of Military History
Black Americans fighting a war for the “four freedoms”
1942 / 1940sFighting for America with strong convictions to achieve and demand the same rights as all citizens
Photo: Courtesy of National Archives
Photo Credits: Drivers of the 666th Quartermaster Truck Company, 82nd Airborne Division
Rockwell’s Illustration of “Aunt Ella Takes a Trip,” published
1942 / 1940sAunt Ella Takes a Trip, Norman Rockwell. 1942. Oil on canvas. Story illustration for Ladies’ Home Journal, April 1942 From the permanent collection of Norman Rockwell Museum. © Norman Rockwell Family Agency
American prisoners of war celebrate the 4th of July
July 4, 1942 / 1940sAmericans in the Japanese prison camp – they celebrated despite all the rules against it
Photo: Courtesy of National Archives
FDR appoints Anna M. Rosenberg
1942 / 1940sTo the National Recovery Administration and then to War Manpower Commission as Regional Director. She is the first woman to serve as a Regional Manager for Social Security
FDR – “Fireside Chat”
October 12, 1942 / 1940sPresident Roosevelt speaks on Report on the Home Front
FDR brings forth many subjects of discussion, including a workforce of women, the imperative after-war need for peace time, and the drafting age
We, therefore, fight for the restoration and perpetuation of faith and hope and peace throughout the world. The objective of today is clear and realistic. It is to destroy completely the military power of Germany, Italy, and Japan to such good purpose that their threat against us and all the other United Nations cannot be revived a generation hence. We are united in seeking the kind of victory that will guarantee that our grandchildren can grow and, under God, may live their lives, free from the constant threat of invasion, destruction, slavery, and violent death. - President Franklin D. Roosevelt
President Roosevelt talks about the United Nations at a press conference
January 1, 1943 / 1940sHe states that maintaining peace is the most important objective
President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill
January 22, 1943 / 1940sMeet in Casablanca for a strategic conference
Photo: Courtesy of the Roosevelt Library
First Lady Roosevelt christens the USS Yorktown
January 22, 1943 / 1940sPhoto: Creative Commons
Rockwell’s “Freedom of Speech,” published illustration
February 20, 1943 / 1940sFreedom of Speech, Norman Rockwell. 1943. Oil on canvas, 45 ¾” x 35 ½” Story illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, February 20, 1943 From the permanent collection of Norman Rockwell Museum
Rockwell’s “Freedom of Worship,” published illustration
February 27, 1943 / 1940sFreedom of Worship, Norman Rockwell. 1943. Oil on canvas, 46” x 35 ½” Story illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, February 27, 1943 From the permanent collection of Norman Rockwell Museum ©1943 SEPS: Licensed by Curtis Publishing, Indianapolis, IN
Rosie the Riveter – World War II Icon
1943 / 1940s“We Can Do it!” inspirational campaign image by J. Howard Miller
Photo: Public Domain
Women Welders
1943 / 1940sPhoto: Courtesy of National Archives
Rockwell’s “Freedom from Want,” published illustration
March 6, 1943 / 1940sFreedom from Want, Norman Rockwell. 1943. Oil on canvas, 45 ¾ x 35 ½” Story illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, March 6, 1943 From the permanent collection of Norman Rockwell Museum ©1943 SEPS: Licensed by Curtis Publishing, Indianapolis, IN
Rockwell’s “Freedom from Fear,” published illustration
March 13, 1943 / 1940sFreedom from Fear, Norman Rockwell. 1943. Oil on canvas, 45 ¾” x 35 ½” Story illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, March 13, 1943 From the permanent collection of Norman Rockwell Museum ©1943 SEPS: Licensed by Curtis Publishing, Indianapolis, IN
Four Freedoms War Bonds Tour
April 30, 1943 / 1940s
Rockwell’s studio burns down
May 15, 1943 / 1940sMy Studio Burns, Norman Rockwell. 1943 Charcoal on paper, 21.5 x 17″ Drawing for The Saturday Evening Post story illustration, July 17, 1943 ©1943 SEPS: Licensed by Curtis Publishing, Indianapolis, IN
Rockwell’s “Rosie the Riveter,” published cover
May 29, 1943 / 1940sRosie the Riveter, Norman Rockwell. 1943. Oil on canvas, 52” x 40” Cover illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, May 29, 1943 Permanent collection at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art ©1943 SEPS: Licensed by Curtis Publishing, Indianapolis, IN
The War Refugee Board is formed by FDR
January 2, 1944 / 1940sThe board is formed for the rescue of persecuted minorities of Europe
Mrs. Roosevelt “My Day” column
January 5, 1944 / 1940sShe explains the deceitful strategies of developing segregated neighborhoods
FDR – “Fireside Chat”
January 11, 1944 / 1940sPresident Roosevelt – State of the Union: National Service and Economic Bill of Rights
Photo: Public Domain
General Douglas MacArthur
1944 / 1940sGeneral Douglas MacArthur wades ashore during initial landings at Leyte, P.I.
Photo: Courtesy of National Archives
Rockwell creates war poster “Mine America’s Coal,” for the US Office of War Information
1944 / 1940sMine America’s Coal (Portrait of a Coal Miner), Norman Rockwell. 1943. Oil on canvas, 21” x 14” Poster for U.S. Office of War Information. From the permanent collection of Norman Rockwell Museum Licensed by Norman Rockwell Licensing Company, Niles, IL.
Rockwell’s Illustration “The Homecoming,” published cover
May 26, 1944 / 1940sThe Homecoming, Norman Rockwell. 1945. Oil on canvas, 28 x 22″. Cover illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, May 26 1945. ©1945 SEPS: Licensed by Curtis Publishing, Indianapolis, IN.
FDR – “Fireside Chat”
June 12, 1944 / 1940sLaunching the Fifth War Loan Drive (June 12, 1944)
I urge all Americans to buy War Bonds without stint. Swell the mighty chorus to bring us nearer to victory! - President Franklin D. Roosevelt
Rockwell’s Illustration “The Fighting Gillises,” published cover
September 16, 1944 / 1940sThe Fighting Gillises, Norman Rockwell. 1944 Oil on canvas, 13.25 x 10.625″ Cover illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, September 16, 1944. ©1944 SEPS: Licensed by Curtis Publishing, Indianapolis, IN Private collection
President Roosevelt is elected for a fourth term
November 7, 1944 / 1940sPresident Roosevelt, although seriously ill, is elected for a fourth term with Harry S. Truman as his vice-president
Photo: Public Domain
FDR’s LAST – “Fireside Chat”
January 6, 1945 / 1940sPresident Roosevelt gives his last message to Congress on Return from Yalta Conference.
Work-or-Fight and Vision for the United Nations
Roosevelt, Stalin and Churchill meet
February 4, 1945 / 1940sThe three leaders meet at Yalta to discuss Allied post-war plans
Roosevelt, Stalin and Churchill
Mrs. Roosevelt’s column “My Day” column
February 9, 1945 / 1940sShe writes about the joy of going to see an American-folk Broadway Musical Sing Out, Sweet Land!
Rockwell’s Illustration “April Fool: Fishing,” published cover
March 31, 1945 / 1940sApril Fool: Fishing, Norman Rockwell. 1945 Oil on canvas, 13.25 x 10.625″ Cover illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, March 31 1945. ©1945 SEPS: Licensed by Curtis Publishing, Indianapolis, IN. Whereabouts unknown
President Franklin D. Roosevelt dies
April 12, 1945 / 1940sLast photo of President Roosevelt – April 11, 1945
He is succeeded by his vice-president, Harry S. Truman
Photo: Public Domain
Famous Comedian Mickey Rooney entertains the troops
April 13, 1945 12:00 am / 1940sRooney is apart of a jeep tour with three other professional entertainers on a mission to entertain the troops and build morale
Photo: Courtesy of National Archives
President Roosevelt’s funeral procession
April 14, 1945 / 1940sWashington, D.C.
Photo: Public Domain
USS Bunker Hill
May 11, 1945 12:00 am / 1940sTwo Kamikazes hit USS Bunker Hill, of Kyushu, killing 372 and wounding 264
Photo: Courtesy of National Archives
WW II ENDS
1945 / 1940s
Rockwell’s Illustration “Mother and Son Peeling Potatoes,” published cover
November 24, 1945 / 1940sThanksgiving: Mother and Son Peeling Potatoes, Norman Rockwell. 1945. Oil on canvas Cover illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, November 24, 1945 Private collection ©1945 SEPS: Licensed by Curtis Publishing, Indianapolis, IN
Book on Norman Rockwell by Arthur Guptill is published
1946 / 1940sNorman Rockwell: Illustrator – The “American man,” this book documents b Norman Rockwell’s life’s work.
President Harry S. Truman and President Herbert Hoover
June 20, 1946 / 1940sThe fight against hunger – Hoover reports on the international food council meeting of 18 nations
Photo: Harris & Ewing (Courtesy of Stock Montage)
Source: Truman Library
Eleanor Roosevelt joined the United Nations Human Rights Division
1946 / 1940sMrs. Roosevelt holding the Spanish publication of Universal Declaration of Human Rights
This includes FDR’s Four Freedoms: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, freedom from fear
Cuatro Libertades: libertad de expresión, libertad de culto, vivir libres de necesidad, libertad del miedo
Photo: Public Domain
“Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility. For the person who is unwilling to grow up, the person who does not want to carry his own weight, this is a frightening prospect.” — Eleanor Roosevelt American Delegate to the United Nations
Rockwell’s Illustration “Boy in Dining Car,” published cover
December 7, 1946 / 1940sBoy in a Dining Car, Norman Rockwell. 1946 Oil on canvas, 38 x 36” Cover illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, December 7, 1946 From the permanent collection of Norman Rockwell Museum ©1946 SEPS: Licensed by Curtis Publishing, Indianapolis, IN
George C. Marshall – sworn in as Secretary of State
January 21, 1947 / 1940sSworn in by Chief Justice Fred Vinson
Photo: Creative Commons
Princeton University honors three men
June 17, 1947 / 1940sHonoring – General Dwight D. Eisenhower, President Harry S. Truman, and former President Herbert Hoover
Photo: Courtesy of Truman Library
Eleonor Roosevelt – United Nations
1947 / 1940sEleanor Roosevelt speaking at the United Nations
Photo: Public Domain
“I believed the United Nations to be the one hope for a peaceful world. I knew that my husband had placed great importance on the establishment of this world organization. So I felt a great sense of responsibility.”
- Eleonor Roosevelt
American Delegate to the United Nations
Rockwell Illustrates “Going and Coming,” published cover
August 30, 1947 / 1940sGoing and Coming, Norman Rockwell. 1947. Oil on canvas; upper canvas, 16” x 31 1/2”; lower canvas, 16” x 31 1/2” Cover illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, August 30, 1947 From the permanent collection of Norman Rockwell Museum ©1947 SEPS: Licensed by Curtis Publishing, Indianapolis, IN
Rockwell spends time in CA, teaching at Los Angeles Art institute
1948 / 1940sRockwell begins creating Hallmark Christmas cards
1948 / 1940sEleanor Roosevelt begins ABC radio program
1948 / 1940s
Rockwell joins Famous Artists School as one of the founding faculty
1948 / 1940sNorman Rockwell (center, bow tie), with some of the Famous Artists School’s faculty.
Rockwell’s “The Gossips,” published cover
March 6, 1948 / 1940sThe Gossips, Norman Rockwell. 1948. Oil on canvas, 33” x 31” Cover illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, March 6, 1948 Stuart Family Collection ©1948 SEPS: Licensed by Curtis Publishing, Indianapolis, IN
Harry Truman Elected President
November 3, 1948 / 1940s“That is one for the books!” – President Elect Harry Truman trails to victory (Chicago Tribune’s election day edition error)
Photo: Courtesy of The Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
Norman Rockwell’s “Christmas Homecoming,” published cover
December 25, 1948 / 1940sChristmas Homecoming, Norman Rockwell. 1948 Oil on canvas, 35 ½ x 33 ½” Cover illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, December 25, 1948 From the permanent collection of Norman Rockwell Museum ©1948 SEPS: Licensed by Curtis Publishing, Indianapolis, IN
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
1949 / 1940sNATO is set up by the USA and Canada, together with Britain and other European countries, for purposes of collective security
Gwendolyn Brooks – First African-American poet to win the Pulitzer Prize
1949 / 1940sAnnie Allen, by US author Gwendolyn Brooks, describes in narrative verse the life of a black girl in contemporary USA
Photo: Courtesy of the History Network
Eleanor Roosevelt appears on “Meet the Press”
1949 / 1940s
Rockwell Illustrates “New Television Antenna,” published cover
November 5, 1949 / 1940sNew Television Antenna, Norman Rockwell. 1949. Oil on canvas, 46.5 x 43″ Cover illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, November 5 1949. ©1949 SEPS: Licensed by Curtis Publishing, Indianapolis, IN. Collection of Los Angeles County Museum of Art
