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

Ms. Archivist

The National Archives History Office is celebrating Women's History Month by featuring past employees. Today's post comes from Hailey Philbin. Mabel Deutrich. (National Archives Identifier 12170444) “Deutrich’s only disadvantage in this respect lies in her being a woman.” Imagine hearing this and inevitably realizing that your career ambitions would be restricted because of your gender. … Continue reading Ms. Archivist

Clio was a woman: Trailblazers at the National Archives

This photo was taken in 1966 in the Auditorium at the National Archives in Washington, DC. It’s the Miss Archives Contest. Yes, that really happened. And no, there was not a Mr. Archives Contest. It is an appropriate commentary on the status of women in the National Archives from its founding in 1934 through the … Continue reading Clio was a woman: Trailblazers at the National Archives

The Wild, Wild West . . . of Pennsylvania Avenue

We are wrapping up our celebration of Black History Month. Today’s post comes from Hailey Philbin. On a sunny day in 1944, young Sara Jackson walked along the noisy DC streets right into the National Archives and asked for a job. Sara Dunlap Jackson receiving the Houston Civil War Round Table's Frank E. Vandiver Award, … Continue reading The Wild, Wild West . . . of Pennsylvania Avenue

Leon Poyner: Supporting the Archives for 25 Years

The National Archives History Office continues to highlight past employees in celebration of Black History Month.  Leon Poyner began his career at the National Archives as a chauffeur in 1936. He worked his way up to Transportation Manager and ultimately Chief of Archival Services in the Archives Handling Branch. Although he was not an archivist, Poyner's … Continue reading Leon Poyner: Supporting the Archives for 25 Years

Harold Pinkett: An Archivist and Scholar

The National Archives History Office continues to celebrate Black History Month with stories of former employees. Today’s post comes from Kaitlin Errickson. Harold Pinkett, ca. 1978. (National Archives History Office Collection) Dr. Harold Pinkett established many firsts for African Americans at both the National Archives and in the field of archival studies. His career was … Continue reading Harold Pinkett: An Archivist and Scholar