Over 200 Participants at the 2025 Theodore Roosevelt Symposium

The Theodore Roosevelt Center (TRC) held its annual Theodore Roosevelt Symposium under the theme “TR and the U.S. Navy,” starting Thursday, September 25th, through Saturday, September 27th. The symposium is supported by grants and donations from several organizations, including the Rob and Melani Walton Foundation, as well as by the generous support of our individual donors. The three-day symposium brought in presenters, scholars, and TR fans from all over to learn and discuss TR’s passion for the U.S. Navy.

When asked about the overall impact of the event, Scott Molander, Dickinson State University (DSU) President, said that “this year’s Symposium deepened our understanding of Theodore Roosevelt’s naval vision. TR's insight that maritime strength supports peace resonates as strongly today as it ever has. I am proud that Dickinson State University could once again host a gathering of scholars, veterans, and students all committed to exploring how Roosevelt’s legacy informs modern global challenges.”

Thursday opened the symposium with presentations from TR scholars Dr. Stacey Cordery and Dr. Michael Cullinane. Later in the evening, Dr. Mark R. Haegerott presented the keynote address. By Friday the symposium was running full speed ahead, with a morning panel on TR’s Family and the Navy, afternoon tours of the TR Center, Library, and DSU Campus, book signings for participating authors, an afternoon panel of formal Navy Officers followed immediately by a panel of Naval Spouses, and even musical entertainment. Saturday was dedicated to opening TRC Gallery with its new exhibit and a group trip to Medora for a site viewing of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, a hike in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and a final lecture and discussion led by TRC Outreach Coordinator Dr. William Hansard. (Please visit the TRC website for a complete list of presenter names and titles.)

Dr. Cullinane was pleased with the results of the symposium, saying that “it was smooth sailing and calm waters at the TR Center’s annual symposium on Roosevelt and the U.S. Navy. Over 220 people joined the festivities, which celebrated the Center’s twentieth anniversary. Next year, the Center is planning a collaborative event in Medora with the TR Association and the TR Presidential Library. Keep an eye out for the announcements for the 2026 symposium!”

__________

Written by Sarah Griffis – DSU HF Content Writer