September 17 is Constitution Day. Visit the National Archives website for more information on how to commemorate the day. Today's post looks at the records act Congress passed under the new constitution. Charles Thomson served as the Secretary to Congress throughout the Revolutionary War and during the entire period of the government under the Articles of Confederation. … Continue reading The Records Act
Seventy years ago, the National Archives Building’s exterior was illuminated for the very first time. National Archives Building lit up for the very first time, its beautiful columns and attic story glowing while onlookers gather to witness the occasion, 8/29/1954. (National Archives Identifier 7873481) While several other Washington, DC, landmarks were illuminated, the National Archives Building … Continue reading Illuminating the National Archives Building
On August 22, 2024, the National Archives Building’s National Historic Landmark Plaque is being unveiled. Visit National Archives News and the National Archives History websites to learn more about this historic building. Architect John Russell Pope's exterior sketch for the National Archives Building. (National Archives Identifier 286184550) In December 2023, 90 years after its cornerstone … Continue reading The National Archives Building’s Landmark Plaque
When architect John Russell Pope was designing the National Archives Building, he included numerous symbolic elements to convey the ideas of protection. Around the building are swords, shields, and spear-topped gates to remind the public of the significance and importance of protecting the building’s contents. He also included a granite moat surrounding the building. Constitution … Continue reading Protecting the National Archives
On Friday, June 7, 2024, the National Archives is raising the woof with our next #ArchivesHashtagParty—#ArchivesPets! Join us on social media to see some paw-some images and artifacts of pets in our collection and collections in repositories around the world. Designed by renowned architect John Russell Pope, the National Archives Building is the most elaborately … Continue reading #ArchivesPets on the National Archives Building
Thirty years ago on May 12, 1994, the National Archives at College Park, MD, popularly known as "Archives II," was dedicated. The 1.8-million-square-foot state-of-the-art facility, located just outside of Washington, DC, provides much-needed space for historically significant holdings of the National Archives. The National Archives at College Park, MD. (NARA photo by Jeff Reed) When … Continue reading Archives II turns 30
February is Black History Month! Visit the National Archives website to learn more about our many resources and events related to Black history. Today we're looking at a 1971 exhibit at the National Archives Building of images of African art from one of our donated collections. The National Archives promoted Black history even before February … Continue reading Celebrating African Artists at the National Archives
On December 13, 2023, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland designated the National Archives Building as a National Historic Landmark. To celebrate this major achievement, the National Archives History Office has published a two-part online exhibit, “Presidential Visits to the National Archive Building.” Today’s post comes from Alyssa Moore. The new, two-part online exhibit, “Presidential … Continue reading New Online Exhibits: “Presidential Visits to the National Archives Building”
As we celebrate the 232nd anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights, we’re looking back on the document's 175th anniversary—and a major exhibit at the National Archives Building. The original joint resolution of Congress proposing what we call the Bill of Rights has been on permanent display at the National Archives Building since … Continue reading The Bill of Rights at the National Archives Building
