Today's post comes from Gregory Marose, an intern in the National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications. As Prohibition commenced in 1920, progressives and temperance activists envisioned an age of moral and social reform. But over the next decade, the “noble experiment” produced crime, violence, and a flourishing illegal liquor trade. The roots of Prohibition date … Continue reading Prohibition and the Rise of the American Gangster
Among our extensive collection of Mathew Brady photographs is this one of Josiah Bushnell Grinnell, whose sideburns appear to slide down his cheeks towards his cravat. The Honorable J. B. Grinnell's name may seem familiar if you have ever browsed college catalogs, or if you are an alum of Grinnell College, located in Grinnell, Iowa. … Continue reading Facial Hair Friday: A Liberal Arts Education
Today's post comes from Gregory Marose, an intern in the National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications. As a new year begins, the 112th Congress reconvenes for a second session of legislative activity. Representatives and senators from across the country are again descending upon the Capitol, ready to commence debates, proceedings, and hearings. This is how … Continue reading Secession, Congress, and a Civil War Awakening at the Archives
Today's featured facial hair is a fan find! Thank you to Paul H. for alerting us to this wonderful forked beard. In fact, this beard really looks like there's enough hair to be two beards. Perhaps Colonel Strother had a beard for each of his names? Before his stint in the Army during the Civil War, David Hunter … Continue reading Facial Hair Friday: Two names and almost two beards
Keith Hill passed away yesterday at the age of 87. He was president of the Navajo Code Talkers Association and Congressional Silver Medal recipient. At 17, he joined the Navajo Code Talkers, a group of men who used their Native American language to communicate and coordinate the movements of Marines in the Pacific Theater during World … Continue reading Unbreakable: Remembering the Code Talkers
Are these the most famous sideburns in music history? They might be the most famous sideburns in the National Archives. If you are a fan of Elvis, you've seen the photograph: Nixon and Elvis shaking hands in the White House. This is the most-requested image in our holdings. The quirky story behind the meeting of the King … Continue reading Facial Hair Friday: Elvis has NOT left the building
As 2011 draws to a close, so does our exhibit "What's Cooking, Uncle Sam?" which will end on January 3, 2012. It's been a great year for food here at the National Archives. We've had amazing guests come and speak, including Chef José Andrés, our neighbor and Chief Culinary Adviser for the exhibit; Chef Roland … Continue reading What’s Cooking Wednesday: Top Ten Food Records of 2011
I was going to try to find another bearded man to feature, but it's practically Christmas Eve, and let's face it, Santa Claus has the most famous beard (and reindeer) of all. It's like a giant cloud of fluffy white snow around his chin. It's his defining characteristic. In the middle of July when there's an older gentleman on … Continue reading Facial Hair Friday: That’s not a real beard, Santa!
Our featured cat is Socks, who was photographed at the White House in December of 1993. So we asked Terri Garner, director of the Clinton Presidential Library, to be our guest judge. There was a lot of debate and discussion in Little Rock, but she emailed us a winner today. Congratulations to Jean West! Terri chose your caption on Facebook … Continue reading Thursday Photo Caption Contest!
Have you visited our exhibit "What's Cooking, Uncle Sam?" Don't wait! The exhibit closes on January 3, 2012. Are you in a sugar coma yet? If not, there's still time to make some sweet desserts straight from the records of the National Archives. These favorite cookie recipes (below) come from the 1966 Forest Service Fire Lookout Cookbook, part of the … Continue reading What’s Cooking Wednesday: Holiday Sugar Spike
