Imagine opening Instagram and seeing a post from @EleanorSpeaks: a black-and-white photo of Eleanor Roosevelt at her typewriter, captioned:

“Do one thing every day that scares you. Today, I’m posting this message of hope to remind you that courage is a habit, not an accident. What’s your challenge today?” The likes pour in. Comments range from admiration—”Thank you, Mrs. Roosevelt, your words inspire me every day!”—to curiosity—”Did you really fly with Amelia Earhart?” Yes, she did.

Eleanor Roosevelt was far from the mere wife of the 32nd U.S. president, Franklin D. Roosevelt — she was a force of her own. As a writer, activist and diplomat, she also helped redefine the role and responsibilities of the First Lady, turning the traditional ceremonial figure into one in redirection for social change. She advocated for civil rights, women’s rights and humanitarian causes, emerging as one of the most influential voices of the 20th century. She was also a communicator at heart. From 1935 to 1962, she contributed a daily newspaper column, My Day, read by millions. She reached out to Americans directly in radio broadcasts. Considering her zeal for interacting with people, it’s difficult to imagine her avoiding social media now. More likely, she’d embrace it like a digitally starved teenager.

Eleanor Roosevelt would not have filled her Instagram account with glamorous portraits or White House Washington events. She’d wield it as a tool of activism. Here’s how her Instagram might read:

📍 Live from the United Nations: A photo of her signing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), with the caption: “Human rights belong to everyone, everywhere. No exceptions. #StandUpForHumanRights”

📍 Throwback to the 1930s: A black-and-white snapshot of her at a factory, meeting workers. “Listening to real stories, real struggles. Leadership means understanding. #WorkersRights”

📍 Q&A Stories: Followers submit questions: “Mrs. Roosevelt, how do you stay optimistic in dark times?” She replies in a video: “By remembering that history is made by those who show up and do the work.”

📍 Behind the Scenes: A post featuring her beloved typewriter. “Writing my next column for My Day. What do you want me to write about next?”

📍 Collaboration Posts: A video chat discussing civil rights and equality with figures like Marian Anderson or Dr. Martin Luther King Jr..

Now for the trickiest question: Would Eleanor Roosevelt have Gone Viral?

Well, to some extent, she had already done so. Her wisdom, courage, and call to action would resonate with modern audiences. Eleanor Roosevelt didn’t just observe history—she shaped it. And if Instagram had existed in her time, she would have used it to connect, educate, and inspire millions, just as she did with her newspaper columns and speeches.

Her bio might read: Activist, writer, UN diplomat. Champion of human rights. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” And we’d all be following.

Eleanor Roosevelt’s typewriter, circa 1904-1905. Mrs. Roosevelt
used this L.C. Smith Super Speed typewriter when working
on books, articles, and newspaper columns at her Val-Kill home.

Eleanor is one of the muses in my forthcoming book, Conversations With Marvellous Muses. Fornews of the book, and when it sees the light of day, go to www.andrewsbooks.site

Taking a steer from this masterful communicator: what should I write about next? Contact me at andrewsbooks@btinternet.com