As of now, both Barack Obama and Calvin Coolidge do not have presidential libraries that are part of the federally funded National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) system.
Understanding Presidential Libraries
The concept of a presidential library in the United States typically refers to a facility administered by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). These libraries serve as repositories for the papers, records, and other historical materials of a former U.S. President. They are federally owned and operated, providing public access to vast collections of historical documents, artifacts, and exhibits that chronicle the presidency and lives of these leaders.
The system of federally supported presidential libraries began with President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who donated his personal and presidential papers to the federal government. This model evolved into the current NARA-managed system, setting a precedent for subsequent presidents to establish similar institutions.
Presidents Without Federally Funded Facilities
While most modern U.S. presidents have a federally funded presidential library, a few exceptions stand out due to the evolving nature of the system or specific decisions regarding their centers.
Barack Obama
In a significant announcement in May 2017, it was revealed that the Barack Obama Presidential Center, the planned location of his presidential library, would not be incorporated into the NARA system. This decision means the center will operate independently, without federal funding or direct management from NARA. Instead, it will be supported by the Obama Foundation and private donations. This marks a departure from the established norm for modern presidential libraries.
Calvin Coolidge
Barack Obama's decision makes him the first president since Calvin Coolidge not to have a federally funded facility. Coolidge, who served from 1923 to 1929, predates the establishment of the modern NARA-managed presidential library system. While there are historical collections and sites related to Coolidge, such as the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum in Plymouth Notch, Vermont, these facilities are not part of the federal presidential library system. They operate through state historical societies or private foundations, reflecting the pre-NARA era of presidential archives.
Summary of Library Status
The table below summarizes the status of presidential libraries for Barack Obama and Calvin Coolidge in relation to the federal system:
| President | Status of Presidential Library | NARA System Status |
|---|---|---|
| Barack Obama | Barack Obama Presidential Center (planned) | Not part of NARA |
| Calvin Coolidge | Historical collections and sites (e.g., in Plymouth Notch, VT) | Not part of NARA |
This distinction highlights the unique arrangements for these two presidents concerning their post-presidency archival and historical facilities compared to the standard federal model.
For more information on the comprehensive system of presidential libraries, you can visit the Presidential Library System on Wikipedia or the official National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) website.
