The Bracero Program: Prelude to Cesar Chavez and the Farm Worker Movement

Today’s post, from Alyssa Moore in the National Archives History Office, is in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month and looks at the legacy of the Bracero Program. From 1942 to 1964, millions of migrant workers crossed the border from Mexico into the United States as braceros, a Spanish word for a “laborer who works … Continue reading The Bracero Program: Prelude to Cesar Chavez and the Farm Worker Movement

Gloria Estefan: Forging a New American Sound

Today’s post, from Alyssa Moore in the National Archives History Office, is in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month and looks at the iconic musician and singer, Gloria Estefan. One of the best-selling female artists of all time, Cuban-American singer Gloria Estefan’s unique sound broke barriers as she fused the musical style of Havana with … Continue reading Gloria Estefan: Forging a New American Sound

Constitution Day: Remembering Our Responsibilities and Opportunities as Citizens

September 17 is Constitution Day, commemorating the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. Visit the National Archives website for resources related to the Constitution and its special day. The national celebration of Constitution Day traces back to 1940, when Congress passed a resolution authorizing the President to issue an annual … Continue reading Constitution Day: Remembering Our Responsibilities and Opportunities as Citizens

Celebrating Labor Day at America’s National Seashores

September 4 is Labor Day. Visit the National Archives website to learn more about records related to the holiday. This post from Danielle Sklarew, originally published in 2018, has been updated. This Labor Day, whether you’re in Massachusetts, down south in Florida, or along the west coast of California, you can visit one of America’s … Continue reading Celebrating Labor Day at America’s National Seashores

Cold War Diplomatic Games: The 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics

Today’s post comes from Callie Belback from the National Archives History Office. The Summer Olympic Games are a major international multi-sport event held every four years. The inaugural Games took place in 1896 in Athens, Greece, and since then have been held in various cities throughout the world. Historically, cities clamored to host the games, … Continue reading Cold War Diplomatic Games: The 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics

Facial Hair Friday: G. Gordon Liddy, White House Plumber

Today’s post comes from Alyssa Manfredi at the National Archives History Office. George Gordon Liddy played an infamous role in the Watergate scandal. He and a team were behind the attempted break-in to the Democratic National Convention office, which inadvertently led to the downfall of President Richard Nixon. Liddy became one of the few people … Continue reading Facial Hair Friday: G. Gordon Liddy, White House Plumber

National Personnel Records Center Fire Series: The Aftermath

This post, the final in a series of three looking at the 1973 National Personnel Records Center fire and its aftermath, comes from Jen Hivick, an archives technician at the NPRC in St. Louis, Missouri. In the year following the disastrous fire at the Military Personnel Records Center, employees struggled to find a new normal. … Continue reading National Personnel Records Center Fire Series: The Aftermath

The Office of the First Cat

August 8th is International Cat Day, and today’s post, from Alyssa Moore in the National Archives History Office looks at the history of household cats at the White House. Socks Clinton lounges at podium in the White House Press Briefing Room, 1993. (National Archives Identifier 236748090) While cats were likely used to control the mice … Continue reading The Office of the First Cat

Louis Pasteur and the Science of Beer Making

Prost! On August 4, 2023, we're having another #ArchivesHashtagParty, and this month’s focus is #ArchivesScience, so we’re turning to food science. Today's post from Caroline Shanley in the National Archives History Office looks at a patent from Louis Pasteur on beer-brewing technologies. Brewing beer has been enjoyed by many cultures for thousands of years. In … Continue reading Louis Pasteur and the Science of Beer Making

Facial Hair Friday: Herman Melville

Today’s post comes from Alyssa Manfredi at the National Archives History Office. Herman Melville is still revered today as one of the great American writers. Over his career, Melville wrote 17 short stories, 11 novels, and countless essays and poems.  Herman Melville. (National Archives Identifier 209202332) Melville was born in New York City in 1819, … Continue reading Facial Hair Friday: Herman Melville