A Matter of National Security: The Role of the National Archives in Protecting Citizens

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

Making Tomorrow Better: International Peace Month

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

Top 10 of 2021

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

Musical Archives! Celebrating National Piano Month

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

Facial Hair Friday: Thomas Dewey

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

A Promise to Faithfully Execute the Office: Presidential Inaugurations

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

Top 10 of 2020

As we put 2020 into the past, we’re taking a look back on the most popular posts published this year. Thank you to the National Archives staff who helped us share our love of history.   10. The fourth installment of a series about unratified constitutional amendments, Unratified Amendments: Regulating Child Labor, explored an amendment proposed … Continue reading Top 10 of 2020

Winter at the White House

The White House is full of holiday traditions from parties and decorations to the lighting of the National Christmas Tree and Menorah. Today we’re looking back on winter holidays for each President in our Presidential Library system. The National Christmas Tree is illuminated on the Ellipse in Washington DC, 12/9/2010. (National Archives Identifier 176553384) Before … Continue reading Winter at the White House

The National Archives and the Electoral College

When you vote in November, you won’t be casting your ballot directly for the Republican nominee or the Democratic nominee or any other candidate who wants to be President. Instead, you will be voting for the people who will actually “elect” the next President. They are called “electors,” and their names are often on the … Continue reading The National Archives and the Electoral College

Amending the Electoral College: The 12th Amendment

The Electoral College is outlined in Article II, Section 1, of the U.S. Constitution. It is the formal body that elects the President and Vice President of the United States. Back in 1787, when the delegates to the Constitutional Convention were trying to figure out how the President should be chosen, some wanted the Congress … Continue reading Amending the Electoral College: The 12th Amendment