"The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World," a gift from France, was dedicated on October 28, 1886, and was designated as a National Monument 100 years ago on October 15, 1924. Since 1886 the Statue of Liberty has stood in New York Harbor. It was a collaboration between sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and French historian … Continue reading Body of Iron, Soul of Fire: The Statue of Liberty
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and American Archives Month, today's Historic Staff Spotlight is on Cuban-born National Archives intern turned staff member, Mario Lopez Feliu. It's from Alyssa Moore in the National Archives History Office. Mario Lopez Feliu preparing a damaged document for repair by lamination, September 20, 1946. (National Archives Identifier 74228333) Mario … Continue reading Historic Staff Spotlight: Mario Lopez Feliu
October 1 is International Coffee Day. Today’s post comes from Thomas Richardson, an expert archives technician at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, Missouri. It’s a beverage that millions of people consume to kick-start their day. You can serve it hot, cold, with or without sugar or milk, and it has a … Continue reading International Coffee Day, October 1
Today’s post by Robert Pines, a public affairs specialist with Public and Media Communications in Washington, DC, is inspired by a photo series he found while browsing the National Archives Catalog. "All the essential characteristics of a coal-mining community—except for the coal dust and the odors—are portrayed." These are the words used in promotional material … Continue reading From Men and Coal to Power & Light: Russell Lee Photos on Display in Washington, DC, Eight Decades Apart
Boil them, mash them, stick them in a stew; grow them in Idaho, Washington, and Oregon too! September is National Potato Month, and that amazing spud is so ingrained in our national subconscious that we could scarcely imagine a world without them. Everything from cleansers, home remedies, agriculture, to making them crinkle cut and julienne … Continue reading Count Your Lucky Starch: It’s National Potato Month!
September 17 is Constitution Day. Visit the National Archives website for more information on how to commemorate the day. Today's post looks at the records act Congress passed under the new constitution. Charles Thomson served as the Secretary to Congress throughout the Revolutionary War and during the entire period of the government under the Articles of Confederation. … Continue reading The Records Act
Today’s post comes from Laurel Gray, a processing intern with the Textual Division at the National Archives in Washington, DC. It’s the first in a series on the archival ramifications of the Watergate scandal. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Watergate. Many are familiar with the scandal that resulted in President Richard Nixon resigning … Continue reading More than Watergate: The Nixon-Sampson Agreement
In celebration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, we’re focusing on key events in the history of independence. Today’s post looks at the First Continental Congress, which met from September 5 to October 26, 1774, in Carpenters' Hall, Philadelphia. Following the Seven Years' War (1756–63), a cash-strapped Britain wanted to raise funds … Continue reading The First Continental Congress Convenes
Seventy years ago, the National Archives Building’s exterior was illuminated for the very first time. National Archives Building lit up for the very first time, its beautiful columns and attic story glowing while onlookers gather to witness the occasion, 8/29/1954. (National Archives Identifier 7873481) While several other Washington, DC, landmarks were illuminated, the National Archives Building … Continue reading Illuminating the National Archives Building
On August 22, 2024, the National Archives Building’s National Historic Landmark Plaque is being unveiled. Visit National Archives News and the National Archives History websites to learn more about this historic building. Architect John Russell Pope's exterior sketch for the National Archives Building. (National Archives Identifier 286184550) In December 2023, 90 years after its cornerstone … Continue reading The National Archives Building’s Landmark Plaque
