The Origins of Veterans Day

Ahead of Veterans Day the National Archives is honoring those who served our country with a special #ArchivesHashtagParty, #ArchivesSalute! on Friday, November 1, 2024. Visit us on social media to see everything from military service records to heroic photos, highlighting those have defended, protected, and served our Constitution! Today’s post from Paige Weaver is an … Continue reading The Origins of Veterans Day

U.S. Naval Torpedo Station

For nearly 20 years the National Archives' Alexandria Federal Records Center was housed in the former U.S. Naval Torpedo station located on Alexandria's waterfront. A view of the Alexandria waterfront including the U.S. Naval Torpedo Station, 1941. (National Archives Identifier 68150512) One day after the end of World War I, the U.S. Navy began construction … Continue reading U.S. Naval Torpedo Station

U.S. Servicemembers at the 1984 Olympic Games

As the 2024 Summer Olympics approaches, we're having an #ArchivesHashtagParty: #ArchivesGoForGold! Join us on Friday, July 12, 2024, to celebrate all achievers, from Olympic champions to unsung heroes. Use #ArchivesGoForGold and tag @USNatArchives on Instagram and X. The 2024 Summer Olympics is taking place from July 26 to August 11, 2024, in Paris, France. Today’s … Continue reading U.S. Servicemembers at the 1984 Olympic Games

Historic Staff Spotlight: Richard McCulley, Historian of the Records of Congress

We’re taking a look at past staff and their many contributions to the National Archives throughout history. Today’s staff spotlight is in memory of Richard McCulley, who served was Historian at the Center for Legislative Archives at the National Archives in Washington, DC.  (L-R) Carl Ashley, David McMillen, Marc Rothenberg, and Richard McCulley at the … Continue reading Historic Staff Spotlight: Richard McCulley, Historian of the Records of Congress

Lincoln’s Leap Day Nomination of Grant

160 years ago on leap day, President Abraham Lincoln nominated Ulysses S. Grant to be Lieutenant General of the Army. Three years into the U.S. Civil War, with no end in sight, President Abraham Lincoln needed to find a commander who could lead the U.S. to victory. Abraham Lincoln, ca. 1861-1865. (National Archives Identifier 530592) … Continue reading Lincoln’s Leap Day Nomination of Grant

Atomic Veterans Commemorative Service Medal

Today’s post comes from Thomas Richardson, an expert archives technician at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, Missouri.  Far out in the New Mexico desert, the largest government-funded scientific endeavor culminated in the first nuclear detonation at the White Sands Missile Range. The bright flash followed by intense heat and billowing mushroom … Continue reading Atomic Veterans Commemorative Service Medal

Historic Staff Spotlight: Eunice Whyte—Navy Veteran of both World Wars

As we commemorate Veterans Day, we want to thank all of the veterans who have served our country throughout the years. Today’s historic spotlight is on National Archives employee Eunice Whyte, who served in the U.S. Navy in both World Wars.  Only two women served in the U.S. Naval Reserves during both World War I … Continue reading Historic Staff Spotlight: Eunice Whyte—Navy Veteran of both World Wars

Harvey Milk: Veteran

This June the National Archives is commemorating National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month, which honors the important contributions that LGBTQ+ Americans have made to U.S. history and culture. Visit our website for more information. Today’s post is from Jen Hivick at the National Personnel Records Center, and looks at civil rights activist … Continue reading Harvey Milk: Veteran

National Personnel Records Center Fire Series: Origins

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the devastating fire at the National Personnel Records Center, we're featuring a three-part series. Today’s post comes from Jen Hivick, an archives technician at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, MO. July 12, 1973, has loomed large in the history of the National Archives. That day, shortly … Continue reading National Personnel Records Center Fire Series: Origins

Facial Hair Friday: Who is Alex Trebek?

The subject of today’s Facial Hair Friday is the longtime and beloved host of the trivia game show Jeopardy!—Alex Trebek. In 2001 he shocked his viewers by shaving off the mustache he wore for his first 17 years on the show. While Alex Trebek is most known for hosting the award-winning trivia show Jeopardy!, he … Continue reading Facial Hair Friday: Who is Alex Trebek?