The National Archives and 1968: A Year of Triumph and Tragedy

Today's post comes from Kerri Lawrence, Writer-Editor for the National Archives News. This year marks the 50th anniversary of 1968, a year of turmoil and change in the United States and the world.   In reflection, 1968 was a year of triumph and tragedy. International and national events changed the landscape of America and the world around … Continue reading The National Archives and 1968: A Year of Triumph and Tragedy

The Nation’s Sacrifice: The Origins and Evolution of Memorial Day

Today’s post comes from John P. Blair with the National Archives History Office. On May 28, 2018, our nation observes a federal holiday—Memorial Day—that was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on June 28, 1968, to take effect on January 1, 1971. Yes, officially Memorial Day as a legal national holiday is only 50 years … Continue reading The Nation’s Sacrifice: The Origins and Evolution of Memorial Day

The National Archives’ larger-than-life statues

Do you want to learn more about the history and architecture of National Archives Building in Washington, DC? Join us online Thursday, May 24, 2018, at noon for a Facebook Live tour of the building’s exterior. For more information, follow us on Facebook! On each side of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC (on … Continue reading The National Archives’ larger-than-life statues

Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo is on the “Border”

Today’s post comes from Jim Zeender, Senior Registrar in the National Archives Exhibits Office. Recently, National Archives conservator Morgan Zinsmeister and I traveled to Pueblo, Colorado, which once stood on the border between the United States and Mexico. We were there to install the original Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo in the “Borderlands of Southern Colorado” exhibition … Continue reading Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo is on the “Border”

President Johnson’s Impeachment Trial

Today’s post comes from Tom Eisinger, an archivist in the Center for Legislative Archives at the National Archives in Washington, DC. It is part two of a two-part series on the impeachment of President Andrew Johnson, which occurred 150 years ago.  On March 4, 1868, the House of Representatives formally presented 11 articles of impeachment to … Continue reading President Johnson’s Impeachment Trial

National Archives-Thai Friendship

May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Visit the National Archives website for more information and related resources. In March 2018, a new exhibit opened in Bangkok, Thailand, featuring more than 40 records and gifts from the National Archives. “Great and Good Friends: 200 Years of U.S.-Thai Friendship” runs from March 21 through June 30, … Continue reading National Archives-Thai Friendship

13 Times the Presidents Were Just Like Us

May is National Photo Month, and to celebrate, we’re sharing photos from the National Archives showing that Presidents are people too! Today’s listicle comes from Anayeli Nuñez from the National Archives History Office. 1. When Clinton stepped out for a jog in this 90s monochromatic outfit. Iconic.   2. When Nixon tried getting as close as … Continue reading 13 Times the Presidents Were Just Like Us

The Jefferson Memorial Turns 75

On Friday, April 13, 2018, the memorial dedicated to Thomas Jefferson—our third President and principal author of the Declaration of Independence—turns 75.   The memorial’s architect, John Russell Pope (1874–1937), was also architect of the National Archives Building. While Pope lived long enough to see the opening of the Archives, he died before groundbreaking for the … Continue reading The Jefferson Memorial Turns 75

INVASION! (of privacy)

Today's post comes from Joseph Gillette, an archivist on a cross-training assignment with the National Archives History Office. It is part of a series concerning the Air Force’s Project Blue Book investigation. In the mid-1970s, the National Archives prepared to absorb the records of the Air Force’s Project Blue Book, as well as its precursors, … Continue reading INVASION! (of privacy)

Betty Ford, Dancer

April 8, 2018, marks the 100th anniversary of Betty Ford's birth. Today's post comes from Nikita Buley, a former intern at the National Archives.  Betty Ford was known as a vivacious activist for women's rights. What many don’t know is that she was also a talented modern dancer. Born Elizabeth Bloomer, the future First Lady … Continue reading Betty Ford, Dancer