On display: Siamese-American Treaty of Amity and Commerce

The Siamese-American Treaty of Amity and Commerce is on display from September 20 to October 31, 2013, (new extended display time!) in the National Archives Building in Washington, DC. Today's post comes from education and exhibit specialist Michael Hussey. The start of official diplomacy between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Siam … Continue reading On display: Siamese-American Treaty of Amity and Commerce

Executive Order 9981: Equality in the military

Cast your vote for Executive Order 9981 to be displayed first in the new "Records of Rights" gallery. Polls close on November 15! Today’s post comes from Tammy Williams, archivist at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library President Harry S. Truman spent his entire young adulthood in Missouri, a border state during the Civil War. … Continue reading Executive Order 9981: Equality in the military

Taking the Constitution for a Test Drive

Today’s Constitution Day guest post was written by Jim Zeender, senior registrar in exhibits at the National Archives in Washington, DC. The Constitution of the United States turned 226 this year and continues to be the oldest and longest-serving written constitution in the world. It consists of exactly 4,543 words and has been amended only … Continue reading Taking the Constitution for a Test Drive

“A Signal Victory”: The Battle of Lake Erie

Our new Featured Document--Oliver Perry's letter to the Secretary of the Navy--will be on display from September 10 to 19, 2014, at the National Archives in Washington, DC.  Today's blog post was written by former student employee Meghan O'Connor. Early in the War of 1812, the Americans lost control of Detroit and Lake Erie to … Continue reading “A Signal Victory”: The Battle of Lake Erie

The people are voting. And the winner is . . . up to you!

Today's blog post comes from Bruce Bustard, curator at the National Archives in Washington, DC. “Exercise your right to vote! This time, help shape the new exhibition space at the National Archives.” David S. Ferriero, Archivist of the United States The National Archives invites you to choose an original document for our new exhibition. America’s … Continue reading The people are voting. And the winner is . . . up to you!

Documerica: Seeing the Seventies More Clearly

Today's blog post comes from Hannah Fenster, summer intern with the Public Affairs Office. Ever wonder why your photographs of the 1970s are slowly changing color? Hint: They don’t want makeovers or need more fuchsia in their lives. More likely, their aging appearances come from the original film type and from years of storage at … Continue reading Documerica: Seeing the Seventies More Clearly

Enemy Aliens in Kansas City

Today's post comes from Kimberlee Ried, public programs specialist at the National Archives in Kansas City, MO. After war was declared by Congress in April 1917, non-naturalized "enemy aliens" were required to register with the Department of Justice as a national security measure. A Presidential Proclamation of November 16, 1917, meant that "all natives, citizens, … Continue reading Enemy Aliens in Kansas City

Facial Hair Friday: Herman Haupt’s Success Proportional to the Size of His Beard

Today's blog post comes from Hannah Fenster, summer intern in the Public Affairs Office of the National Archives. Herman Haupt wasn’t hurting for hair. Or confidence. The scruff that framed his face and eyes contributed to his imposing persona—which was so stubborn that he often refused the help of other people so he could accomplish … Continue reading Facial Hair Friday: Herman Haupt’s Success Proportional to the Size of His Beard

Minnie Spotted Wolf and the Marine Corps

Today's blog post comes from Cody White, archivist at the National Archives in Denver. It was 70 years ago this month that Minnie Spotted Wolf, one of the first Native American women to enlist in the U.S. military, joined the United States Marine Corps Women’s Reserve. Born and raised on a ranch near White Tail Creek, … Continue reading Minnie Spotted Wolf and the Marine Corps

On display: Executive Order 9066 and the Civil Liberties Act of 1988

In commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the passage of the Civil Liberties Act, the original Executive Order 9066 as well as the 1988 law are on display in the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, from June 16 to August 19, 2013. Today's blog post comes from curator Bruce Bustard. “Here we admit a … Continue reading On display: Executive Order 9066 and the Civil Liberties Act of 1988