Join us in-person in the library or online for a Fireside Chat in association with the Lewes Public Library Spoken Word Society.

Perhaps no woman had a greater impact on America in the 20th century than Eleanor Roosevelt. She gave a voice to the most neglected and desperate members of our country, while fighting for equal rights for all. Her influence started in the 1920s and ended only with her death in 1962. Perhaps her most famous and important speech took place during the 1940 Democratic presidential convention, when her husband, President Franklin Roosevelt, was running for an unprecedented third term in office. As the delegates fought amongst themselves, she took the stage and reminded them that "these are no ordinary times." FDR went on to win a third term. Historian Paul Sparrow hosts the acclaimed actress Suzanne Savoy, in an exploration of the speeches and writings of Eleanor Roosevelt. Her words will be presented in dramatic monologue by Ms. Savoy with political and social context provided by the host.

Suzanne Savoy, a classically trained theatre artist, is also known for film roles and recurring TV appearances on How to Get Away with Murder, Full Circle, The Knick, House of Cards, Better Call Saul, and many others. Her most recent film, All of It, recently won “Best Comedy Feature” at the Marina del Rey Film Festival and has been submitted for the November 2025 Rehoboth Beach International Film Festival. 

The Fireside Chat series is organized and moderated by Paul Sparrow, a writer, historical consultant, and the former Director of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. Before moving to the FDR Library, he was the Deputy Director and Senior Vice President at the Newseum in Washington, DC. He is the author of the book, Awakening the Spirit of America: FDR's War of Words With Charles Lindbergh—and the Battle to Save Democracy.

President Franklin Roosevelt broadcast his first Fireside Chat on March 12th, 1933, just eight days after his inauguration. During his 12 years in office he delivered dozens of Fireside Chats, guiding America through the Great Depression, and guiding a global audience through the horrors of World War Two. FDR’s Fireside Chats were a new form of political communication, using radio to connect with Americans in an intimate setting – right in their living rooms. His compelling and persuasive broadcasts encouraged Americans to believe in democracy and its future. Paul Sparrow, a nationally recognized expert on Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and the former director of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, hosts this series of programs that build on the foundation laid by FDR’s Fireside Chats, and find their relevance to our world today.

NOTE: this session is available to attend in-person or through Zoom. You MUST REGISTER and indicate which you prefer. Each individual attending must register.

If you have need assistance with registration or getting your Zoom invitation, please email the library.

Basic written instructions for using Zoom may be found here and a brief video tutorial may be found here. Closed captioning is available for all our sessions. Information on enabling closed captioning in Zoom may be found here.