In February 1903, Mr. J.B. Whitehead, representing the hall and the County Board, extended an invitation to dedicate the building to the sitting President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. On June 3, the president arrived in Rockford via train, which was met by a reception committee of leading citizens from Winnebago County and Rockford. He and his party were transported by open carriages to Memorial Hall. Entering from the east side of the building, facing the Carnegie Library and the Rock River, Roosevelt took a moment to inspect and admire the interior of the building before exiting to deliver his dedication speech.