Historical Staff Spotlight: Mary Walton McCandlish Livingston

We are taking a look at past staff and their many contributions to the National Archives throughout history. Today we’re featuring Mary Walton McCandlish Livingston, who became famous for uncovering the backdated deed for Nixon’s pre-Presidential materials donation.  Mary Walton McCandlish was born in 1914 in Fairfax, Virginia. She attended high school at the National … Continue reading Historical Staff Spotlight: Mary Walton McCandlish Livingston

NARA Screams for Ice Cream! National Ice Cream Month

Today’s post comes from Thomas Richardson, an expert archives technician at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, Missouri.  Good Humor banner. (National Archives Identifier 5916724) There’s nothing quite like the sweet taste of ice cream, especially with these hot summer days. We hear the ice cream truck rolling through the neighborhood, parents … Continue reading NARA Screams for Ice Cream! National Ice Cream Month

Protesting Statehood: Hawaiian Women’s Petition Against Annexation

Today’s post comes from Callie Belback from the National Archives History Office. On July 7, 1898, President William McKinley signed the joint resolution annexing the islands of Hawaii which eventually became the 50th U.S. state in 1959. Joint Resolution to provide for the annexing of the Hawaiian Islands to the United States, July 7, 1898. … Continue reading Protesting Statehood: Hawaiian Women’s Petition Against Annexation

The Binns Engraving of the Declaration of Independence

Last July 4th we looked at the Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence. This year we’re examining a lesser-known, ceremonial copy of the Declaration of Independence: the Binns engraving. Numerous ceremonial copies of the Declaration of Independence were created in the surge of nationalism following the War of 1812. At that time, most signers … Continue reading The Binns Engraving of the Declaration of Independence

Historic Staff Spotlight: Josef C. James

We are taking a look at past staff and their many contributions to the National Archives throughout history. Today’s staff spotlight is on Josef C. James, the first African American Director of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library. Josef C. James, 11/15/1971. (National Archives Identifier 35809790) Josef C. James—his friends called him JC—was born in … Continue reading Historic Staff Spotlight: Josef C. James

Fall In! Morning Reports with the National Archives

Today’s post comes from Thomas Richardson, an expert archives technician at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, Missouri.  Information is vital in warfare, whether it’s the latest intelligence on enemy movements or orders transferring materials and weapons. Reports relay the necessary information for soldiers, NCOs, officers, and generals, helping them to make … Continue reading Fall In! Morning Reports with the National Archives

International Archives Week 2022: Archives Are You

Today’s post comes from Meg Phillips, External Affairs Liaison at the National Archives.  The International Council on Archives (ICA) and the global archives community are celebrating International Archives Week from June 6 to June 10, 2022. The week commemorates the founding of the ICA and gives archivists a time to call greater attention to the … Continue reading International Archives Week 2022: Archives Are You

Facial Hair Friday: Gilbert Baker and the Rainbow Flag

This June the National Archives is celebrating National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month, which honors the important contributions that LGBTQ+ Americans have made to United States history and culture. Visit the National Archives website for more information on our related holdings. Today’s post looks at the man who created the iconic gay … Continue reading Facial Hair Friday: Gilbert Baker and the Rainbow Flag

John Russell Pope’s Lincoln Memorial designs

On May 30, 2022, the Lincoln Memorial turns 100 years old. Today’s post from Christina James, originally published in 2014, has been updated. Walking through our nation’s capital, you will inevitably come across at least one structure adorned with triangular pediments, massive columns, or a majestic dome. Many of Washington, DC’s most iconic buildings and … Continue reading John Russell Pope’s Lincoln Memorial designs

Historic Staff Spotlight: Robert L. Clarke

We are taking a look at past staff and their many contributions to the National Archives throughout its history. Today’s staff spotlight is Robert L. Clarke, who served as the first official Black History Specialist at the National Archives.   Conference director Robert L. Clarke speaking at the National Archives Conference on Federal Archives as … Continue reading Historic Staff Spotlight: Robert L. Clarke