Obama Presidential Center Continues Long Tradition of Being a Unique Chronicle of American History

The opening of the Obama Presidential Center is not a departure from American tradition. It is the newest chapter in one of the country's most distinctive historical institutions, the presidential library and museum.

The modern system began in 1939 when Franklin D. Roosevelt donated his presidential papers and part of his Hyde Park estate to the federal government. Before Roosevelt, presidential records were generally considered private property and were often scattered, sold or lost. His decision created the model that later became the National Archives presidential library system.

What makes presidential museums fascinating is that each reflects the personality and priorities of its president. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum remains unique because Roosevelt personally directed its design and even used it while still in office. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, designed by I.M. Pei, is celebrated for its dramatic waterfront architecture. The Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library is notable for its massive archival collection and its integration with the University of Texas campus. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum houses the actual Air Force One aircraft used during Reagan's presidency, making it one of the most visually distinctive presidential museums in the country.

In terms of attendance, the Reagan Library has long been among the most visited presidential museums. Recent National Archives figures also show strong visitation at the Kennedy and Johnson libraries, each drawing well over 100,000 visitors annually in recent years.

Profitability is more complicated. Most presidential libraries are not operated as profit-making enterprises. The federally managed libraries rely on a combination of endowments, foundation support, admissions revenue and federal funding. Some facilities, particularly the Reagan Library, generate substantial revenue through admissions, special exhibitions and events, but publicly available financial records generally do not classify them simply as "profitable" or "unprofitable."

Admission policies also vary. The Obama Presidential Center includes free public spaces such as its Chicago Public Library branch and park areas, while museum admission is ticketed. Several presidential libraries offer free entry on selected federal holidays, but most charge museum admission fees.

The broader point is that Americans do not build presidential museums merely to honor former presidents. They build them to preserve documents, artifacts, debates and memories that help explain how the nation governed itself. Obama's center follows a tradition that began with Roosevelt nearly nine decades ago and continues to evolve with every presidency.

To find a presidential library near you, visit https://www.archives.gov/presidential-libraries.