As the Society for American Archivists (SAA) meets for the 82nd annual meeting here in Washington, DC, we’re taking a look back at the origins of the organization. SAA was founded just two years after Congress created the National Archives and came to be, in part, because the efforts of National Archives staff. The nation’s … Continue reading The origins of the Society of American Archivists
Happy Pi Day! Are you baking up a fresh dessert to celebrate? Get inspired by some historic pie deliciousness, fresh from our archives. 1 Everything about this photo is vintage #piegoals. The apron, the polka-dot potholders, that oven!
Today’s post comes from Elle Benak and Sanjana Barr from the National Archives History Office. On Friday September 16, 2016, the National Archives hosted the “Legacies of America’s First Ladies” conference in the William G. McGowan theater in Washington, DC. This was part of an ongoing series first launched in 2011 by American University, who … Continue reading America’s First Ladies: In Service to Our Nation
This post comes to us from Miriam Kleiman, Program Director for Public Affairs. After 20 years at the National Archives (first as a researcher, then employee), I’m still delighted to discover new (to me) archival treasures. Not so long ago, a reporter asked me if the Archives had any Frank Sinatra–related records to mark the centennial … Continue reading Regrets, he had a few . . .
On June 20, 1790, when Congress was temporarily meeting in New York City, Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson hosted a dinner. In attendance were Secretary of Treasury Alexander Hamilton and Representative from Virginia James Madison. Keep in mind these men were on opposing ends of the political spectrum. Hamilton, a Federalist, wanted the Federal Government … Continue reading The Compromise of 1790
Today’s post comes from Marisa Hawley, intern in the National Archives Strategy and Communications office. As part of the “six weeks of style” celebration to recognize the Foundation for the National Archives’ partnership with DC Fashion Week, we are showcasing fashion-related records from our holdings. This week’s fashion theme is 1960s: The Times (and Fashion) They Are A’ … Continue reading Jackie Kennedy: Queen of Camelot and Style Icon of the 1960s
The National Archives presents a musical tribute on December 3 in honor of President and Mrs. John F. Kennedy’s commitment to the arts, celebrating their legacy of musical performances in the White House. On November 13, 1961, Pablo Casals performed the Mendelssohn Trio in D minor at the White House. Kenneth Slowik (cello), James Stern … Continue reading A night of music in honor of President and Mrs. Kennedy
The best thing about Thanksgiving is gathering around the table, stuffing your faces with turkey, and enjoying the pleasant and agreeable conversation with your extended family. Right? Well, to keep the happy conversation flowing, here’s some fun facts about Thanksgiving to keep your family distracted from explosive topics (you know what they are at your … Continue reading Tasty tidbits for your Thanksgiving table
Some of our documents made a special trip across Constitution Avenue today, traveling from the National Archives Building to our neighbor on the Mall, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. Tonight, the museum is hosting a dinner for this year’s sixteen recipients of the nation’s highest civilian honor: the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Over … Continue reading National Archives documents on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History
Today’s guest post was written by Jim Zeender, senior registrar in Exhibits at the National Archives in Washington, DC. This post continues the story of Jefferson as Governor, began in Part I. Jefferson’s term as Governor ended on June 2, 1781, a dangerous and chaotic time for Virginia. General Cornwallis had heard of the General … Continue reading Thomas Jefferson: Governor of Virginia, Part II
