More Than Watergate: The PRMPA

Today’s post on the Presidential Recordings and Materials Preservation Act (PRMPA) comes from Laurel Gray, a processing intern with the Textual Division at the National Archives in Washington, DC. It is the second of a four-part series on the archival ramifications of the Watergate scandal. President Nixon sits before edited transcripts of his White House taped conversations … Continue reading More Than Watergate: The PRMPA

The Guardian of the Freedom Train’s Cargo: Delmar Robb

December 15 is Bill of Rights Day, which commemorates the ratification of the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Today we’re looking at the man who cared for the original Bill of Rights—and 126 other documents—during the 16-month Freedom Train trip across the country.  Visitors looking at the Bill of Rights in the Freedom … Continue reading The Guardian of the Freedom Train’s Cargo: Delmar Robb

Pre-federal Thanksgivings

Long before the President of the United States pardoned a turkey to celebrate Thanksgiving, the President of Congress issued proclamations encouraging its celebration. National Turkey Federation Chairman John Reicks, President Barack Obama and his nephews Austin and Aaron Robinson, react to an unexpected commotion by Tot, the National Thanksgiving Turkey, during the pardon of the … Continue reading Pre-federal Thanksgivings

The Indian School Journal

November is Native American Heritage Month. Visit National Archives News for more information on related events and resources. Today’s post from Mary Ryan is an update of her 2011 Prologue article. In the second half of the 19th century, federal Indian policy shifted from military confrontation to efforts to “civilize” and assimilate the native peoples … Continue reading The Indian School Journal

Edward Allen Carter Jr., Soldier of Many Continents 

November 11 is Veterans Day. Visit the National Archives website to learn more about our Veterans Day holdings. Today’s post comes from Thomas Richardson, an expert archives technician at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, Missouri. The early 20th century was a time of intense upheaval and paradigm shift change across the … Continue reading Edward Allen Carter Jr., Soldier of Many Continents 

The Origins of Veterans Day

Ahead of Veterans Day the National Archives is honoring those who served our country with a special #ArchivesHashtagParty, #ArchivesSalute! on Friday, November 1, 2024. Visit us on social media to see everything from military service records to heroic photos, highlighting those have defended, protected, and served our Constitution! Today’s post from Paige Weaver is an … Continue reading The Origins of Veterans Day

The Origins of the Record Group

We’re celebrating American Archives Month by looking back on the history of the National Archives.  Card Catalog in the National Archives Central Search Room, 1940. (National Archives Identifier 3493244) If you have ever researched at the National Archives you are familiar with the concept of a record group. Within the National Archives, a record group is basically … Continue reading The Origins of the Record Group

Body of Iron, Soul of Fire: The Statue of Liberty

"The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World," a gift from France, was dedicated on October 28, 1886, and was designated as a National Monument 100 years ago on October 15, 1924.  Since 1886 the Statue of Liberty has stood in New York Harbor. It was a collaboration between sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and French historian … Continue reading Body of Iron, Soul of Fire: The Statue of Liberty

Historic Staff Spotlight: Mario Lopez Feliu

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and American Archives Month, today's Historic Staff Spotlight is on Cuban-born National Archives intern turned staff member, Mario Lopez Feliu. It's from Alyssa Moore in the National Archives History Office. Mario Lopez Feliu preparing a damaged document for repair by lamination, September 20, 1946. (National Archives Identifier 74228333) Mario … Continue reading Historic Staff Spotlight: Mario Lopez Feliu

International Coffee Day, October 1 

October 1 is International Coffee Day. Today’s post comes from Thomas Richardson, an expert archives technician at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, Missouri. It’s a beverage that millions of people consume to kick-start their day. You can serve it hot, cold, with or without sugar or milk, and it has a … Continue reading International Coffee Day, October 1