Holding It Together: Before Passwords—Ribbons and Seals for Document Security

In celebration of American Archives Month we’re looking at some of the many fasteners and seals found in records at the National Archives. Today’s post comes from Rachel Bartgis, conservator technician at the National Archives at College Park, MD. In the centuries before the self-inking notary public's stamp, U.S. government clerks and secretaries used brightly-colored … Continue reading Holding It Together: Before Passwords—Ribbons and Seals for Document Security

Holding It Together: Ribbons in NARA’s Records

In celebration of American Archives Month we’re looking at some of the many fasteners and seals found in records at the National Archives. Today’s post comes from Rachel Bartgis, conservator technician at the National Archives at College Park, MD. Even in the decades when the oldest records in the National Archives were being created, government … Continue reading Holding It Together: Ribbons in NARA’s Records

Covered Bridges in Frederick County

Today's post comes from Joshua Cain, an archives technician at the National Archives in College Park, MD. Fall is a perfect time for a countryside drive as the changing leaves make for beautiful scenery. To enhance that experience, try taking a drive through a covered bridge. There are several covered bridges on the National Register … Continue reading Covered Bridges in Frederick County

Holding It Together: A Seal—Or Not?

Long before Scotch tape and lamination impeded the efforts of archivists and researchers to access unique information in a document, a whole world of fasteners existed to help hold documents together. In celebration of American Archives Month, we’re hosting a series of posts on the history of the various fasteners and seals found in records … Continue reading Holding It Together: A Seal—Or Not?

Facial Hair Friday: Hiram Revels

Today’s Facial Hair Friday is about Hiram Rhodes Revels, the first African American to serve in Congress and the first African American Senator. It’s from Rachel Bartgis, conservator technician at the National Archives at College Park, MD. First African-American Senator Hiram Revels. (National Archives Identifier 594264) Hiram Revels was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, in … Continue reading Facial Hair Friday: Hiram Revels

Valor from Abroad: Foreign Awards in the U.S. Armed Forces

Today’s post comes from Thomas Richardson, an archives technician at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri. The U.S. Armed Forces have been deployed all over the world, serving in conjunction with foreign militaries carrying out operations for a host of reasons: combating insurgency and enemy regimes, humanitarian relief, and joint training exercises, … Continue reading Valor from Abroad: Foreign Awards in the U.S. Armed Forces

El Movimiento: The Chicano Movement and Hispanic Identity in the United States

It’s National Hispanic Heritage Month. Visit the National Archives website for resources on related records and how we are commemorating the month. Today’s post comes from Thomas Richardson, an archives technician at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Social, economic, cultural, and political change was widespread in the 1960s, fueled by evolving … Continue reading El Movimiento: The Chicano Movement and Hispanic Identity in the United States

Global Influence of the U.S. Constitution

September 17 is designated as Constitution Day to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. Today’s post comes from Thomas Richardson, an archives technician at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, MO. The drafting of the United States Constitution was a landmark event in the history of … Continue reading Global Influence of the U.S. Constitution

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

Constitution Day: Translating the Constitution

Today’s post comes from Rachel Bartgis, conservator technician at the National Archives at College Park, MD. Constitution Day is celebrated on September 17, 1787—the day that the majority of the delegates to the Constitutional Convention approved the document they had been working on in Philadelphia since May. But the Constitution wouldn't become the official framework … Continue reading Constitution Day: Translating the Constitution