Today’s post comes from Laurel Gray, a processing intern with the Textual Division at the National Archives in Washington, DC. It’s the first in a series on the archival ramifications of the Watergate scandal. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Watergate. Many are familiar with the scandal that resulted in President Richard Nixon resigning … Continue reading More than Watergate: The Nixon-Sampson Agreement
In celebration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, we’re focusing on key events in the history of independence. Today’s post looks at the First Continental Congress, which met from September 5 to October 26, 1774, in Carpenters' Hall, Philadelphia. Following the Seven Years' War (1756–63), a cash-strapped Britain wanted to raise funds … Continue reading The First Continental Congress Convenes
Seventy years ago, the National Archives Building’s exterior was illuminated for the very first time. National Archives Building lit up for the very first time, its beautiful columns and attic story glowing while onlookers gather to witness the occasion, 8/29/1954. (National Archives Identifier 7873481) While several other Washington, DC, landmarks were illuminated, the National Archives Building … Continue reading Illuminating the National Archives Building
On August 22, 2024, the National Archives Building’s National Historic Landmark Plaque is being unveiled. Visit National Archives News and the National Archives History websites to learn more about this historic building. Architect John Russell Pope's exterior sketch for the National Archives Building. (National Archives Identifier 286184550) In December 2023, 90 years after its cornerstone … Continue reading The National Archives Building’s Landmark Plaque
Today’s post comes from Thomas Richardson, an expert archives technician at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, Missouri. They’re the largest land animals, have the longest gestation period for land animals, are hard workers, are the core of many religious beliefs, and have done everything from going to war to protecting the … Continue reading World Elephant Day
August 8, 2024, marks the 50th anniversary of Richard Nixon’s resignation as President of the United States. Today’s post is an update of Emma Rothberg’s 2014 article. Early the morning of June 17, 1972, five men were caught and arrested for breaking into the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, DC. … Continue reading Nixon Resigns
For nearly 20 years the National Archives' Alexandria Federal Records Center was housed in the former U.S. Naval Torpedo station located on Alexandria's waterfront. A view of the Alexandria waterfront including the U.S. Naval Torpedo Station, 1941. (National Archives Identifier 68150512) One day after the end of World War I, the U.S. Navy began construction … Continue reading U.S. Naval Torpedo Station
When architect John Russell Pope was designing the National Archives Building, he included numerous symbolic elements to convey the ideas of protection. Around the building are swords, shields, and spear-topped gates to remind the public of the significance and importance of protecting the building’s contents. He also included a granite moat surrounding the building. Constitution … Continue reading Protecting the National Archives
As the 2024 Summer Olympics approaches, we're having an #ArchivesHashtagParty: #ArchivesGoForGold! Join us on Friday, July 12, 2024, to celebrate all achievers, from Olympic champions to unsung heroes. Use #ArchivesGoForGold and tag @USNatArchives on Instagram and X. The 2024 Summer Olympics is taking place from July 26 to August 11, 2024, in Paris, France. Today’s … Continue reading U.S. Servicemembers at the 1984 Olympic Games
As we look forward to the upcoming 250th anniversary of our nation in 2026, we’re looking back at the 175th anniversary celebration in 1951. For more information on July 4 and the National Archives, visit our website. On July 4, 1951, the United States celebrated its demisemiseptcentennial—the 175th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration … Continue reading July 4, 1951: Celebrating America’s Demisemiseptcentennial
