Strange-but-true stories about America’s Presidents from the National Archives and Presidential Libraries.
This is part of a series, written by Jim Zeender, devoted to letters written by the Founding Fathers in their own words and often in their own hand. Jim is a senior registrar in Exhibits. Shortly after the diplomatic break between John Adams and Count de Vergennes, Adams left for Amsterdam. Once there, he worked … Continue reading In their own words: Franklin, Adams, and Vergennes make peace (IId)
This week marks the 22nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The National Archives holds many records that relate to American citizens with disabilities. From personal letters to historic legislation, these records from the Presidential Libraries provide insight into disability history. For the opening of the Public Vaults exhibition at the National Archives Building … Continue reading A letter to the President—in Braille
This is part of a series, written by Jim Zeender, devoted to letters written by the Founding Fathers in their own words and often in their own hand. Jim is a senior registrar in Exhibits. The leadership of John Adams in the independence movement and the publication of his “Thoughts on Government” in the same … Continue reading In their own words: John Adams and Ben Franklin, Part IIa
This is part of a series, written by Jim Zeender, devoted to letters written by the Founding Fathers in their own words and often in their own hand. Jim is a senior registrar in National Archives Exhibits. John Adams of Massachusetts and Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania crossed paths during “critical moments” in the earliest days … Continue reading In their own words: John Adams and Ben Franklin, Part I
This is the first part of a series, written by Jim Zeender, devoted to letters written by the Founding Fathers in their own words and often in their own hand. As a registrar in the Exhibits Division of the National Archives for over 25 years, I have had the good fortune to work with many … Continue reading In their own words: President George Washington
For the next month or so, more than 900 goats will be calling the Ronald Reagan Library and Museum home. More than 900 goats take on the task of clearing brush around the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, CA. "Last year, the Ventura County Fire Department broached the idea with us," said Reagan Library Director and Herder-in-Chief … Continue reading Reagan Library puts 900 goats to work
Today's blog post was written by Tammy Kelly, an archivist at the Harry S. Truman Library. When future President Harry S. Truman was born on May 8, 1884, his parents decided to name him Harry, after his mother’s brother Harrison Young. But what about a middle name? Harry’s parents could not come to a decision—should … Continue reading Sometimes an “S” is just an “S”
Apparently the sight of a scantily clad man engrossed in his knitting fired up the imaginations of our readers! We made a cup of tea and settled down to knit one, purl two our way through your many caption submissions. ?Leg warmers! Greek mythology! Puns! Poor fashion sense! We became so tangled that we turned to guest … Continue reading Thursday Photo Caption Contest–March 1
Who knew that the "LB" in LBJ stood for "light bulb"? Apparently, quite a few of you! We were buzzing with excitement after reading your captions, and we needed to ground ourselves. So we turned to our guest judge, Liza Talbot, who is an archivist at the Johnson Presidential Library and the mastermind behind the … Continue reading Thursday Photo Caption Contest–February 9
Today's post comes from Gregory Marose, an intern in the National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications. With Super Bowl Sunday just two days away, we’ve decided to call an audible and make today's "Facial Hair Friday" into a "Football Friday." When the New England Patriots and New York Giants collide in this year’s Super Bowl, … Continue reading Football Friday: Presidents and the Pigskin
