Work That Satisfies the Creative Instinct: Eleanor Roosevelt and the Arts and Crafts

Traditional historical interpretations of Eleanor Roosevelt typically emphasize her idealistic yet practical approach to social and political problems. This analysis risks oversimplifying Roosevelt’s understanding of political solutions and commitment to reform. A proponent of the arts and crafts, Roosevelt recognized the economic contributions of domestic handicrafts, but she insisted that their benefits surpassed social and economic improvement. Historians’ emphasis on economic and social justice has obscured Roosevelt’s faith in the aesthetic and cultural power of the arts, which was a significant factor in her involvement in three craft‐related projects: Val‐Kill Industries, Arthurdale Homestead, and the New Deal cultural projects.