The original Davis library, in the Mississippi house he last lived in, called Beauvoir, was heavily damaged by Katrina.
FDR started the system in his second term, in 1939, to preserve his papers...but Congress didn't established a formal framework and budgets till 1955.
As far as I know there are no exceptions, every serving president can use the system to preserve the papers connected to his (or her, someday) presidency...after all, Nixon has one, and he was thrown out of office!
The Mississippi property is owned by the Sons of Confederate Veterans, but FEMA funding related to Katrina damage is paying for about 90% of the repairs.
So since we're all friends again, or at least friendly, almost 150 years has passed since the Civil War. I suggest we let Jeff Davis join the list, and make it 14 Presidential Libraries.
What 'cha think? Was he an American President? And should his library be recognized? Could there at least be a page on the official web site recognizing his library and his place in U.S. history?
Jefferson Davis was never president of the UNITED States. NO list of presidents of the U.S. includes his name. Therefore an appropriation for a "presidential library" that U.S. presidents have, would be inappropriate.
ReplyDeleteHowever, he is an important figure in American history. Other funds, including Federal, can be requested.
Nixon was NOT "thrown out of office."
ReplyDeleteHe resigned.
I agree that it would be appropriate, proper, proper, fitting and just to preserve that piece of American history.