The Name Speaks for Itself

Today’s post comes from Dan Ruprecht, intern in the Center for Legislative Archives at the National Archives in Washington, DC.  On September 11, 1789, President George Washington sent the first cabinet nomination under the new U.S. Constitution to the Senate. Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution gave the power to determine federal officers to … Continue reading The Name Speaks for Itself

Shorter Skirts and Shoulder Pads: How World War II Changed Women’s Fashion

Today’s post comes from Marisa Hawley, intern in the National Archives Strategy and Communications office. As part of the "six weeks of style" celebration to recognize the Foundation for the National Archives' partnership with DC Fashion Week, we are showcasing fashion-related records from our holdings. This week’s fashion theme is Women and the War: 1940s Fashion. During World … Continue reading Shorter Skirts and Shoulder Pads: How World War II Changed Women’s Fashion

Political Cartoonist Clifford Berryman: Fusing Fashion and Politics

Today’s post comes from Marisa Hawley, intern in the National Archives Strategy and Communications office. As part of the "six weeks of style" celebration to recognize the Foundation for the National Archives' partnership with DC Fashion Week, we are showcasing fashion-related records from our holdings. This week’s fashion theme is Roaring 20s: Fur, Feathers, and Flappers. To say … Continue reading Political Cartoonist Clifford Berryman: Fusing Fashion and Politics

Setting the Records Straight

Today’s post comes from Dan Ruprecht, intern in the Center for Legislative Archives at the National Archives in Washington, DC.  From its earliest days, the Federal Government has been concerned with preserving its records. During its very first session, the First Congress under the new Constitution in 1789 passed the Records and Seals Act, setting … Continue reading Setting the Records Straight

Fala and Barkers for Britain, 1941

Today's post commemorates National Dog Day, which celebrates dogs everywhere on August 26. Bow-wow! Calling all dog lovers—arguably history’s best known Presidential pet was Franklin Roosevelt’s Scottish terrier, Murray the Outlaw of Falahill (Fala for short), who was named after FDR’s famous Scottish ancestor, John Murray. He was given to Roosevelt in 1940 as a Christmas … Continue reading Fala and Barkers for Britain, 1941

Civil War Fashion: A Facial Hair Frenzy

Today's post comes from Marisa Hawley, intern in the National Archives Strategy and Communications office. As part of the "six weeks of style" celebration to recognize the Foundation for the National Archives' partnership with DC Fashion Week, we are showcasing fashion-related records from our holdings. This week's fashion theme is Classy Women (and Men) of the 19th Century. … Continue reading Civil War Fashion: A Facial Hair Frenzy

The Senate irritates the President

This post continues our celebration of the 225th anniversary of the First Congress. The Constitution gives the President the “power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties.” This first time the President attempted to seek that advice occurred in August 1789 when first President George Washington sent a message … Continue reading The Senate irritates the President

The burning of Washington

August 24, 2014, marks the 200th anniversary of the British burning of Washington during the War of 1812. In August 1814, British forces occupying the Chesapeake Bay began to sail up the Patuxent River in Maryland. Fearing an attack on the capital, Secretary of State James Monroe offered to scout the British position and report … Continue reading The burning of Washington

Hats Off to the Tri-Corner Hat

Today's post comes from Marisa Hawley, intern in the National Archives Strategy and Communications office. As part of the "six weeks of style" celebration to recognize the Foundation for the National Archives' partnership with DC Fashion Week, we are showcasing fashion-related records from our holdings. This week's fashion theme is the Revolutionary War: Fashion during America's Fight … Continue reading Hats Off to the Tri-Corner Hat

Six weeks of style with the National Archives

Get ready to put your best fashion foot forward—and take a step back into the trends of the past—with the National Archives! This fall, the Foundation for the National Archives is partnering with DC Fashion Week to host the opening night. This semiannual event was originally created to spotlight the nation’s capital as a dynamic center of … Continue reading Six weeks of style with the National Archives