Strange-but-true stories about America’s Presidents from the National Archives and Presidential Libraries.
August 8th is International Cat Day, and today’s post, from Alyssa Moore in the National Archives History Office looks at the history of household cats at the White House. Socks Clinton lounges at podium in the White House Press Briefing Room, 1993. (National Archives Identifier 236748090) While cats were likely used to control the mice … Continue reading The Office of the First Cat
On Friday, July 7, 2023, the National Archives is hosting a vacation-themed hashtag party. Join the conversation on Instagram and Twitter using #ArchivesHashtagParty and #ArchivesVacay. Today’s post is from Alyssa Moore in the National Archives History Office. Secluded in the Catoctin Mountains of Maryland, not far from Washington, DC, sits an active naval base called … Continue reading Escaping the White House: Camp David
President William Howard Taft was the first U.S. President to throw the ceremonial first pitch at a baseball game. As baseball's Opening Day nears, we are sharing images from the National Archives of past Presidents, First Ladies—and even a government mascot—and ceremonial pitches. Every U.S. President from William Howard Taft to John F. Kennedy threw … Continue reading Ceremonial First Pitches
We are taking a look at past staff and their many contributions to the National Archives throughout its history. Today’s Historic Staff Spotlight features Mildred B. Berry, who worked at the Federal Register where she oversaw two major publications: the U.S. Government Manual and the Public Papers of the Presidents. Mildred Van Valkenburgh Bunch was born … Continue reading Historic Staff Spotlight: Mildred B. Berry
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
For International Peace Month, we’re looking at significant turning points toward a more peaceful world highlighted by the records of the National Archives. Today’s post comes from Thomas Richardson, an expert archives technician at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, Missouri. “It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in … Continue reading Making Tomorrow Better: International Peace Month
As we move into the new year, we’re looking back on the most popular posts published on Pieces of History in 2021. We would like to give a big thank-you to the National Archives staff who work so hard to Make Access Happen through their numerous contributions. And thank you all for sticking with us … Continue reading Top 10 of 2021
September is National Piano Month. Today’s post comes from Thomas Richardson, an archives technician at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Entertainment by Dave Brubeck Quartet in the East Room during the State Dinner for President Julio Maria Sanguinetti of Uruguay, 6/17/1986. (National Archives Identifier 75854863) Many great musicians, composers, and songwriters … Continue reading Musical Archives! Celebrating National Piano Month
It’s Facial Hair Friday, and we’re taking a look at Governor Thomas E. Dewey, the last major party candidate for the Presidency to have any facial hair. Today’s post comes from Rachel Bartgis, conservator technician at the National Archives at College Park, MD. Thomas Edmund Dewey was born March 24, 1902, in Owosso, Michigan. Young … Continue reading Facial Hair Friday: Thomas Dewey
January 20 is Inauguration Day. Visit the National Archives website for more information on Presidential elections and inaugurations. At noon on January 20, 2021, President-elect Joe Biden will recite the oath of office in accordance with Article II, Section I of the U.S. Constitution: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the … Continue reading A Promise to Faithfully Execute the Office: Presidential Inaugurations
