What's happened
Theodore Roosevelt's stolen pocket watch, a cherished possession that accompanied him around the world, was returned to his former home on Long Island after being stolen in 1987 and seized by federal agents in Florida.
What's behind the headline?
What the papers say
The Washington Post details the auctioneer's shock when federal agents seized the watch, while The Independent focuses on the emotional return of the watch to Roosevelt's home. The New York Times provides historical context on the watch's significance to Roosevelt's life and presidency.
How we got here
The pocket watch, a gift from Roosevelt's sister, was stolen in 1987 from a museum in Buffalo, New York. It resurfaced at a Florida auction house in 2023, leading to its seizure by federal agents. The watch's return to Roosevelt's home marks the end of a 35-year mystery surrounding its theft.
Go deeper
- What impact did the return of the pocket watch have on Roosevelt's family?
- How did the watch resurface after being missing for 35 years?
- What security measures are in place to prevent future thefts of historical artifacts?
Common question
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