Strange-but-true stories about America’s Presidents from the National Archives and Presidential Libraries.
On February 20, 1933, President Herbert Hoover and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover left the White House by car just before 2:30 p.m. with an escort of nine motorcycle policemen. Their destination was the corner of 7th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, to lay the cornerstone of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC. The event … Continue reading Temple of Our History
Continuing our celebration of the 225th Anniversary of the First Congress, the National Archives is displaying George Washington's first annual address from January 6 to February 4, 2015, in the East Rotunda Gallery of the National Archives in Washington, DC. This version, from the first Journal of the House of Representatives, shows the final page of George Washington's annual address (what … Continue reading Currently on Exhibit: George Washington’s First Annual Message
Today’s post comes from Christine Blackerby, an Outreach Specialist at the Center for Legislative Archives at the National Archives in Washington, DC. On January 8, 1790, President George Washington delivered a speech at Federal Hall in New York City. This speech, called his first annual message to Congress (which we now refer to as the State … Continue reading Annual Message on the State of the Union: The President Speaks
Today’s post comes from Christine Blackerby, an Outreach Specialist at the Center for Legislative Archives at the National Archives in Washington, DC. Two hundred and twenty-five years ago on January 4, 1790, the First Congress returned from a break after a very productive first session. Shortly afterward, the Senate received notice from President George Washington that he … Continue reading Advice and Consent and the Recess Appointment
Early on a quiet Sunday afternoon in December 1941, the President of the United States was in his study at the White House working on his stamp album. It was a favorite activity and one that allowed him to shut out the troubles of the world, if only for a little while. The telephone rang, … Continue reading Crafting the “Day of Infamy” Speech
Tim Gunn will be at the National Archives on December 11, hosting “Deck the Halls: Holidays at the White House.” Join us in person or watch live on our YouTube channel. Details at the bottom of this blog post! It was 40 years before his famous catchphrase, but Tim Gunn knew he needed to “make it … Continue reading A Very Special “Make It Work” Christmas Story
Today's post comes from Timothy Rives, deputy director of the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum. In honor of Veterans Day and those who have worn a uniform while serving their country, here's the story behind the famous jacket now on display in our exhibit "Making Their Mark: Stories Through Signatures." General Dwight D. Eisenhower considered … Continue reading The Ike Jacket
Concluding our celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, this post comes from Idaliz Marie Ortiz Morales, intern in the National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications. English Version: Rita Moreno has inspired many people throughout her celebrated career as an actress and stage performer. As the first Hispanic actress to win an Academy Award in 1961, … Continue reading Rita Moreno, first Hispanic actress to win the Academy Award
Continuing our celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, this post comes from Idaliz Marie Ortiz Morales, intern in the National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications. English Version: President Nixon and the Hispanic strategy during his re-election campaign The United States of America is witnessing a growing Latin American voting demographic, and many might be surprised to learn … Continue reading President Nixon and the Hispanic Strategy
Continuing our celebration of Natinal Hispanic Heritage Month, this post comes from Idaliz Marie Ortiz Morales, intern in the National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications. Did you know that Fidel Castro, when he was just 14 years old, wrote a letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt during World War II? How many of us, at … Continue reading Fidel Castro’s childhood plea to President Roosevelt
