John Russell Pope’s Lincoln Memorial designs

Today's post comes from Christina James, intern in the National Archives History Office.  Walking through our nation’s capital, you will inevitably come across at least one structure adorned with triangular pediments, massive columns, or a majestic dome. Many of Washington, DC’s most iconic buildings and monuments feature these elements and exemplify neoclassical architecture. John Russell Pope, … Continue reading John Russell Pope’s Lincoln Memorial designs

On exhibit: Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

Today’s post comes from Darlene McClurkin, National Archives Exhibits staff member. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. The original resolution is on display in the East Rotunda Gallery of the National Archives Building from July 15 to August 7, 2014. Fifty years ago, the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution marked a major turning point … Continue reading On exhibit: Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

Join the Fourth of July Conversation on Social Media

Every year, Independence Day at the National Archives is an exciting and celebratory day. In addition to signing a facsimile of the Declaration of Independence, hearing "America the Beautiful" performed by an international champion whistler, and mingling with Thomas Jefferson and Abigail Adams, you can join us this year in tweeting, Instagram-ing, and sharing on … Continue reading Join the Fourth of July Conversation on Social Media

John Adams’s vision of July 4 was July 2

By Jim Worsham Today—July 2—was supposed to have been the big day of celebrations, with parades, bells, fireworks, festivals and all that kind of stuff—at least that’s how John Adams envisioned it. After all, on July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress ended its debate and approved the resolution proposed on June 7 by Richard Henry … Continue reading John Adams’s vision of July 4 was July 2

Now On Display: The Civil Rights Act of 1964

Today’s post comes from David Steinbach, intern in the National Archives History Office. On July 2, 1964, with Martin Luther King, Jr., directly behind him, President Lyndon Johnson scrawled his signature on a document years in the making—the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the landmark legislation. The first … Continue reading Now On Display: The Civil Rights Act of 1964

Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooal!

Today’s post celebrates the international sporting event that captivates billions of people every four years: the World Cup! Brazilian icon Pele is one of the world’s most recognized footballers. He is one of the few players to appear in four World Cup finals and the only player to win three World Cup titles (1958, 1962, … Continue reading Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooal!

Doors of Monumental Proportions

Today’s post comes from Jessie Kratz, Historian of the National Archives. On June 19 the National Archives celebrates its 80th anniversary. Constitution Avenue Entrance with doors closed, 6/13/1936. (National Archives Identifier 7820634) If you have ever visited the National Archives in Washington, DC, you may have noticed two very, very large bronze doors that mark the … Continue reading Doors of Monumental Proportions

On display: GI Bill of Rights

The GI Bill is on display in the East Rotunda Gallery of the National Archives Building from June 6 through July 14. Today's post comes from education and exhibit specialist Michael Hussey. “With the signing of this bill a well-rounded program of special veterans' benefits is nearly completed. It gives emphatic notice to the men … Continue reading On display: GI Bill of Rights

The Eisenhower Library commemorates D-Day

June 6 marks the 70th anniversary of D-Day. This weekend, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum will commemorate D-Day with two days of events. Follow along on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram with #DDay70. And if you can't make it to Abilene, you can explore National Archives documents and photographs in our special D-Day exhibit "D-Day … Continue reading The Eisenhower Library commemorates D-Day

The Oath of Office: The First Act of the First Congress

Today's post comes from Christine Blackerby, Archives Specialist in the Center for Legislative Archives at the National Archives in Washington, DC. The Center for Legislative Archives is marking the 225th anniversary of the First Congress by sharing documents on Tumblr and Twitter; use #Congress225 to see all the postings. When the First Congress met in … Continue reading The Oath of Office: The First Act of the First Congress