Harold Hamm Donates $50 Million To TRPL
Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation
Linda Pancratz, Chair
Edward F. O’Keefe, Chief Executive Officer
January 3, 2023
Harold Hamm Dedicates $50 Million to Build Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
MEDORA, NORTH DAKOTA — Harold Hamm, founder and chair of Oklahoma-based Continental Resources, has generously provided a $50 million gift to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation.
This gift will advance the construction and development of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, a state-of-the-art museum dedicated to exploring the life, legacy, and enduring relevance of the 26th President.
“This is a game changing gift for this transformative project,” said Edward F. O’Keefe, CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation. “Harold thinks boldly and dares greatly, and we are honored to have him and his family in the arena for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.”
Harold Hamm, an entrepreneur who grew up as the 13th child of sharecroppers in rural Oklahoma, founded Continental Resources in 1967 when he was just 21 years old. Continental and Hamm have been invested in North Dakota for over twenty five years.
“We invest in big ideas that are built to last,” said Hamm. “The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library will inspire Americans for centuries not decades. Theodore Roosevelt was a person of great vision and leadership, and he was transformed during his time in North Dakota. It is an honor to support this ambitious vision which will perpetuate TR’s legacy and bring visitors from around the world to the Badlands for generations to come.”
The State of North Dakota supported the project by offering a $50M endowment contingent on the Foundation’s ability to raise $100M in private commitments — a milestone that was achieved in 2020. The T.R. Library, a museum of action, celebrates the pillar principles of leadership, citizenship, and conservation, and will be built in Medora, North Dakota.
“Harold Hamm’s generosity is extraordinary, and his gift will make a profound impact on this project,” said Linda Prancratz, chair of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation. “We are beyond grateful to have Harold and his family as partners in our mission, and we trust their gift will inspire others around the nation to contribute to this project.”
The Norwegian and U.S. firm Snøhetta is the design architect for the project, working alongside North Dakota based architect of record, JLG. The construction manager is JE Dunn, based out of their offices in Dickinson.
The Theodore Roosevelt Land Conveyance Act of 2020 gave the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation the opportunity to purchase 93-acres of U.S. Forest Service land. The Roosevelt family provided the funds to acquire the land in a transaction that was completed in 2022.
Theodore Roosevelt lived and ranched in North Dakota after the death of his wife and mother on February 14, 1884. His home ranch, The Elkhorn Ranch, is known as the “cradle of conservation” and is now part of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. T.R. National Park is the only park named for a person.
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation is a private, non-profit organization which relies on philanthropic support to fund its mission. Benefactors to the project come from all fifty states. The $50 million investment from Hamm serves as a major boost to the project though fundraising continues.
Get in the arena and discover how you can support this exciting project at www.trlibrary.com/donate
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