Virginia C. Purdy: Fighting for Women’s History

The National Archives History Office is wrapping up its month-long celebration of Women's History. Today’s post comes from Sarah Basilion. Commemoration of Women’s History Month at the National Archives would be incomplete without remembering Virginia C. Purdy, the agency’s one-time specialist in women’s history. In 1971 the National Archives loaned the Treaty of Paris to … Continue reading Virginia C. Purdy: Fighting for Women’s History

The Men and Women Who Guard the Constitution

Since 1952, the United States Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Bill of Rights have been on display in the Rotunda of the National Archives. In addition to the bulletproof and moisture-controlled sealed cases, the Charters of Freedom are protected by the National Archives security guards. Hundreds of people filter in and out of the … Continue reading The Men and Women Who Guard the Constitution

An Independent National Archives

April 1, 2016, marks the 31st anniversary of the National Archives independence. Today’s post come from Kaitlin Errickson of the National Archives History Office. The National Archives has a turbulent history. First, the historical community had to fight for years and years to establish a National Archives. Then Congress passed legislation authorizing an independent National … Continue reading An Independent National Archives

Claudine Weiher: The Fight for Independence

The National Archives History Office continues to celebrate Women's History Month. Today's post comes from Kirsten Dillon.  Claudine Weiher, former Deputy Archivist, was born Claudine Jackson on November 24, 1941, in Kansas City, MO. Dr. James B. Rhoads presents an award to Claudine Weiher, Planning and Analysis Branch, Office of the Executive Director. She was … Continue reading Claudine Weiher: The Fight for Independence

Dr. Elizabeth B. Drewry: A Leading Lady

The National Archives History Office continues to celebrate Women’s History Month with stories of former employees. Today’s post comes from Kaitlin Errickson. Elizabeth B. Drewry was a key member of the National Archives staff during her many years of service and became a leading woman in the field of archives. Elizabeth B. Drewry’s National Archives Identification Card, … Continue reading Dr. Elizabeth B. Drewry: A Leading Lady

Adrienne Thomas: An Amazing Archives Career

The National Archives History Office continues to celebrate Women’s History Month with stories of former employees. Today’s post comes from Sarah Basilion. Adrienne Thomas receives an award from Archivist of the United States Bert Rhoads, 11/30/1973. (National Archives Identifier 286884325) Adrienne C. Thomas began her career with the National Archives in 1970 as an archivist … Continue reading Adrienne Thomas: An Amazing Archives Career

Elizabeth Hamer Kegan: Educator and Innovator

The National Archives History Office continues to celebrate Women’s History Month with stories of former employees. Today’s post comes from Kaitlin Errickson. Elizabeth Hamer, 7/31/1951. (National Archives Identifier 12167572) Elizabeth “Betty” Hamer Kegan was an archival pioneer. As a founding member of the Society of American Archivists (SAA) and lead supporter of the Freedom Train, … Continue reading Elizabeth Hamer Kegan: Educator and Innovator

Acting Archivist Trudy Huskamp Peterson

The National Archives History Office is celebrating Women's History Month by featuring past employees. Today's post comes from Sarah Basilion.  Trudy Peterson, 1988. (National Archives Identifier 35810833) Trudy Huskamp Peterson was appointed Acting Archivist of the United States in March 1993, following the departure of Archivist Don W. Wilson, who left to head the new … Continue reading Acting Archivist Trudy Huskamp Peterson

The Not-So-Lame Amendment

Today's post comes from Hailey Philbin in the National Archives History Office.  The 20th Amendment is often referred to as the Lame Duck Amendment. It was passed by Congress on March 2, 1932, and ratified on January 23, 1933. The amendment changed the date of the Presidential inauguration from March 4 to January 20. It … Continue reading The Not-So-Lame Amendment