On Exhibit: sketch of the RMS Lusitania’s lifeboat storage mechanism

Today's post comes from Zach Kopin, an intern in the National Archives History Office in Washington, DC.  To honor the pivotal role its sinking played in turning U.S. popular opinion against Germany during World War I, a sketch of the RMS Lusitania’s lifeboat storage mechanism is now on display at the National Archives in Washington, … Continue reading On Exhibit: sketch of the RMS Lusitania’s lifeboat storage mechanism

Enemy Aliens in Kansas City

Today's post comes from Kimberlee Ried, public programs specialist at the National Archives in Kansas City, MO. After war was declared by Congress in April 1917, non-naturalized "enemy aliens" were required to register with the Department of Justice as a national security measure. A Presidential Proclamation of November 16, 1917, meant that "all natives, citizens, … Continue reading Enemy Aliens in Kansas City

A wedding gift for (history) lovers

Today’s post comes from Christopher Abraham at the Eisenhower Presidential Library. He answers a question each week on Facebook. This week’s special, matrimonial edition of Ask an Archivist comes from the Netherlands, and we thought it would be fun to post it in honor of the Eisenhowers' 97th wedding anniversary. “My friends Jerom and Natasja … Continue reading A wedding gift for (history) lovers

Eisenhower and (Tank) Driver’s Ed

Today’s post comes from Christopher Abraham at the Eisenhower Presidential Library. He answers a question each week on Facebook. This week’s Ask an Archivist query comes from Pennsylvania. "Did Eisenhower teach Patton how to drive a tank at Camp Colt in Gettysburg?" Anonymous Captain George S. Patton knew how to drive a tank by the … Continue reading Eisenhower and (Tank) Driver’s Ed

Sisters in Fate: The Lusitania and the Titanic

Today’s guest post was written by William B. Roka, a longtime volunteer at the National Archives in New York City. You can follow “Titantic Tuesdays” on Facebook as they post records and images in remembrance of the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. On the morning of May 1, 1915, Pier 54 on the … Continue reading Sisters in Fate: The Lusitania and the Titanic

Thursday Photo Caption Contest–February 16

Choosing last week's winner was a tough nut--er, lobster?--to crack, so we turned to Tammy Kelly, our crack judge at the Truman Library. Congratulation to RJ! Check your email for a code to use for a 15% discount at our eStore! Tammy chose your caption as the winner. Perhaps she was reminded of the fine … Continue reading Thursday Photo Caption Contest–February 16

Four Patriots from Baseball’s Hall of Fame

Today's post comes from Gregory Marose, an intern in the National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications. Each January, as frost and snow cover baseball fields across America, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum provides heartwarming news for fans of our national pastime. This is the season when the Baseball Writers' Association of America … Continue reading Four Patriots from Baseball’s Hall of Fame

What’s Cooking Wednesday: Holiday Sugar Spike

Have you visited our exhibit "What's Cooking, Uncle Sam?" Don't wait! The exhibit closes on January 3, 2012. Are you in a sugar coma yet? If not, there's still time to make some sweet desserts straight from the records of the National Archives. These favorite cookie recipes (below) come from the 1966 Forest Service Fire Lookout Cookbook, part of the … Continue reading What’s Cooking Wednesday: Holiday Sugar Spike

Facial Hair Friday: A Letter from Hairy Harry

Today's guest post comes from Tammy Kelly at the Truman Presidential Library. This week’s Facial Hair Friday photo is a most unexpected person: Harry S. Truman, before he became President! At the Truman Library, we know of only two photographs of Truman wearing any kind of facial hair, so this is a rare photo, indeed. … Continue reading Facial Hair Friday: A Letter from Hairy Harry

What’s Cooking Wednesday: Flour Sack Art

One of the themes throughout our "What's Cooking Wednesday" posts has been war and food rationing. American citizens were asked to grow their own food, ration sugar, and eat less meat so that there would be more supplies for soldiers fighting overseas and for people with little food left in their war-torn country. As a result, … Continue reading What’s Cooking Wednesday: Flour Sack Art