Making Tomorrow Better: International Peace Month

For International Peace Month, we’re looking at significant turning points toward a more peaceful world highlighted by the records of the National Archives. Today’s post comes from Thomas Richardson, an expert archives technician at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, Missouri.  “It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in … Continue reading Making Tomorrow Better: International Peace Month

Human Rights for All

December 10 is Human Rights Day, commemorating the date the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. The United Nations was formed in 1945 to prevent the atrocities that occurred during World War II from ever happening again. One of the UN's primary goals was, "promoting and encouraging respect … Continue reading Human Rights for All

Human Rights for all

December 10 is Human Rights Day, commemorating the date the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. The United Nations was formed in 1945 to prevent the atrocities that occurred during World War II from ever happening again. One of their primary goals was, "promoting and encouraging respect for … Continue reading Human Rights for all

The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library: The 30-Year Journey

October is American Archives Month! We're celebrating the work of archivists and the importance of archives with a series of blog posts about the Presidential libraries. The records created by Presidents while in office will become part of the National Archives, and eventually will be used by researchers. Here's how it happens!  Today’s post comes … Continue reading The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library: The 30-Year Journey

The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library: Paving the way

October is American Archives Month! We're celebrating the work of archivists and the importance of archives with a series of blog posts about the Presidential libraries. The records created by Presidents while in office will become part of the National Archives, and eventually will be used by researchers. Here's how it happens!  Today’s post comes … Continue reading The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library: Paving the way

State Dinners at the White House

Today's post comes from the National Archives Office of Presidential Libraries. King David Kalakaua of Hawaii was the first head of state to be honored with a White House state dinner on December 12, 1874, by President and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant. In the years that have followed, state dinners have come to signify the utmost respect … Continue reading State Dinners at the White House

The 1941 Christmas Tree: A Bright Light in Dark Times

  The Roosevelts had planned for a "more homey" lighting of the National Christmas tree on December 24 in 1941. FDR had directed that the tree be moved from the Ellipse to the White House grounds, just next to the South Lawn Fountain.  But after the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, there … Continue reading The 1941 Christmas Tree: A Bright Light in Dark Times

Archives Spotlight: The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum

Today's post comes from Nikita Buley, an intern in the National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, New York, was the first Presidential library built in the United States. President Roosevelt led its conception and building, and he is the only President to have … Continue reading Archives Spotlight: The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum

Eleanor Roosevelt, what’s in your wallet?

Eleanor Roosevelt was born on October 11, 1884. She was the niece of former President Theodore Roosevelt, and later became the wife of future President Franklin D. Roosevelt (her fifth cousin). She is known for her role as First Lady during the Great Depression and World War II. She was the first woman in that … Continue reading Eleanor Roosevelt, what’s in your wallet?

What’s Cooking Wednesdays: A dozen dont’s of gardening

Feeling the urge to plant a vegetable garden?  During World War I and World War II, citizens were encouraged to plant victory gardens as part of the war effort so that more food could be sent overseas to the troops. Even the White House had a Victory Garden at the urging of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Because many … Continue reading What’s Cooking Wednesdays: A dozen dont’s of gardening