We're wrapping up American Archives Month. Today’s post comes from Callie Belback from the National Archives History Office. Say you want to explore the history of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase using primary sources. Where do you go? Well, you could start by exploring the National Archives Catalog or the Library of Congress Catalog. Both of … Continue reading Siblings, But Not Twins: Researching at the National Archives and the Library of Congress
Category: American Archives Month
The National Archives Council
October is American Archives Month, and we’re looking at moments in National Archives history that shed light on the importance of archives. Today’s post comes from Callie Belback from the National Archives History Office. Before 1934 and the creation of the National Archives, the U.S. Government lacked an adequate way to store all the records … Continue reading The National Archives Council
A Matter of National Security: The Role of the National Archives in Protecting Citizens
October is American Archives Month, and we’re looking at moments in National Archives history that shed light on the importance of archives. Today’s post comes from Callie Belback from the National Archives History Office. On May 21, 2009, President Barack Obama delivered a speech at the National Archives Building to an audience of members of … Continue reading A Matter of National Security: The Role of the National Archives in Protecting Citizens
Facial Hair Friday: Thad Page, First Administrative Secretary for the National Archives
To celebrate American Archives Month, today's Facial Hair Friday looks at the National Archives' first Administrative Secretary: Thad Page. Thad Page, 9/1/1951. (National Archives Identifier 12167532) Thaddeus “Thad” Shaw Page was born in 1890 in Aberdeen, NC, to a prominent North Carolina family. After attending the University of North Carolina, Page served as secretary to … Continue reading Facial Hair Friday: Thad Page, First Administrative Secretary for the National Archives
Holding It Together: From Pins to Paper Clips
We're wrapping up our celebration of American Archives Month's look at some of the many fasteners and seals found in records at the National Archives. Today’s post comes from Rachel Bartgis, conservator technician at the National Archives at College Park, MD. A century after the silk ribbon and sealing wax of the Continental Congress, clerks … Continue reading Holding It Together: From Pins to Paper Clips
Holding It Together: From Red Tape to Grommets
In celebration of American Archives Month we’re looking at some of the many fasteners and seals found in records at the National Archives. Today’s post comes from Rachel Bartgis, conservator technician at the National Archives at College Park, MD. Early 19th-century government clerks relied on ribbon, pins, thread, sealing wax, and wafers to hold their … Continue reading Holding It Together: From Red Tape to Grommets
Holding It Together: Before Passwords—Ribbons and Seals for Document Security
In celebration of American Archives Month we’re looking at some of the many fasteners and seals found in records at the National Archives. Today’s post comes from Rachel Bartgis, conservator technician at the National Archives at College Park, MD. In the centuries before the self-inking notary public's stamp, U.S. government clerks and secretaries used brightly-colored … Continue reading Holding It Together: Before Passwords—Ribbons and Seals for Document Security
Holding It Together: Ribbons in NARA’s Records
In celebration of American Archives Month we’re looking at some of the many fasteners and seals found in records at the National Archives. Today’s post comes from Rachel Bartgis, conservator technician at the National Archives at College Park, MD. Even in the decades when the oldest records in the National Archives were being created, government … Continue reading Holding It Together: Ribbons in NARA’s Records
Holding It Together: A Seal—Or Not?
Long before Scotch tape and lamination impeded the efforts of archivists and researchers to access unique information in a document, a whole world of fasteners existed to help hold documents together. In celebration of American Archives Month, we’re hosting a series of posts on the history of the various fasteners and seals found in records … Continue reading Holding It Together: A Seal—Or Not?
Victory at Home and Abroad: Combating Segregation in the Armed Forces
February is Black History Month. Visit our website for information on related resources and virtual events. Today’s post comes from Thomas Richardson, an archives technician at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, MO. The valiant effort of those who fought and sacrificed themselves in the line of duty during World War II is … Continue reading Victory at Home and Abroad: Combating Segregation in the Armed Forces