In this episode of “This I Remember: Roosevelt Family Stories,” Nina Roosevelt Gibson shares stories of her experience growing up as a Roosevelt grandchild in Hyde Park, and her memories of traveling with Eleanor with her grandson, Haven. Nina recalls her day-to-day life during summers with her Grandmere, their travels together to the Middle East, and what she believes Eleanor would stand for today in political matters such as the conflict between Palestine and Israel. They went on to discuss the impacts of the Roosevelt name and legacy and the weight it carries nowadays, specifically how it impacts Haven Luke’s aspirations in life. Their conversation emphasizes Eleanor’s compassion, open mindedness, and empathy, and how it impacted every aspect of her life, and continues to impact her descendants lives. 

More about Nina Roosevelt Gibson:
Nina Roosevelt Gibson, born in 1942, is the granddaughter of Eleanor and Franklin D. Roosevelt and grew up surrounded by history at Val-Kill in Hyde Park, New York. Living next door to her grandmother, she witnessed firsthand Eleanor Roosevelt’s deep compassion, tireless work ethic, and belief in equality. Gibson went on to earn a PhD in psychology from Ohio State University and built a career focused on helping others, serving as a clinical director for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program and creating initiatives to support women reuniting with their children after incarceration. In 2023, she published Growing Up Roosevelt: A Granddaughter’s Memoir of Eleanor Roosevelt, offering a personal look at life with her famous grandmother and sharing stories that reveal Eleanor’s warmth, humor, and enduring influence. Through her work and writing, Gibson continues her family’s legacy of public service, empathy, and advocacy for social justice.

About Haven Luke:
Haven is in his last year of school at the Theodor-Heuss-Gymnasium in Göttingen, Germany.  He is studying for his Abitur (university entrance exam)  with a focus in mathematics, physics and computer science.  Before heading to university, he plans to take a break to travel and serve the community. 

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