Last July 4th we looked at the Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence. This year we’re examining a lesser-known, ceremonial copy of the Declaration of Independence: the Binns engraving. Numerous ceremonial copies of the Declaration of Independence were created in the surge of nationalism following the War of 1812. At that time, most signers … Continue reading The Binns Engraving of the Declaration of Independence
Today’s post comes from Paige Weaver and Danielle Sklarew, summer interns in the National Archives History Office. One hundred years after the production of this poster, everyone’s favorite uncle, Uncle Sam, turned 242 years old this July 4. Sporting an outfit adorned with stars and stripes, he runs toward battle, undeterred by the red, white, … Continue reading Facial Hair Friday: Uncle Sam, the Bearded Man
The National Archives was created on June 19, 1934. During the month of June, the National Archives History Office is sharing stories about the former Archivists of the United States. James Berton "Bert" Rhoads joined the National Archives in 1952 as a microfilm operator, but soon headed down the professional track. In 1966 he was appointed Deputy … Continue reading Bert Rhoads: Recordkeeper in Chief
Join the National Archives in celebrating the 239th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with special events in Washington, DC, at Presidential Libraries nationwide, and online! You can see the full press release online here. https://youtu.be/heCz6TWxGvI Celebrate July 4th at the National Archives in Washington, DC The National Archives in Washington, DC, will celebrate … Continue reading Celebrate July 4th with the National Archives in DC, nationwide, and online!
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
Wow--what a year! Our editorial panel tried to limit this list to ten, but eventually we gave up and picked 14 instead. (For more great National Archives moments, check on out the Top 10 Innovative Moments of 2013.) We also want to send a big thank you to the staff members of the National Archives across … Continue reading Top 14 Moments at the National Archives in 2013
With Independence Day around the corner, we caught up with a few of this year's speakers to get their thoughts on the Declaration of Independence, their connection to history, and celebrating at the National Archives. Four descendants from the original signers will read the Declaration of Independence this year. Three are members of the Society of the Descendants … Continue reading Descendants of the signers to read the Declaration of Independence on July 4
Choosing the winner was as easy as falling off a log for our guest judge Andrea Matney, who has experience balancing guest speakers and programming for the Know Your Records series. Congratulations to the excellently named Ryan Tickle! Your caption tickled our funnybone and--combined with the oppressive heat this week--made us all long to be at … Continue reading Thursday Photo Caption Contest
Perhaps the most famous goatee in all of America belongs to Uncle Sam, the white-haired patriot who appeared in political cartoons in the late 1890s, on recruitment posters in both World Wars, and continues to appear on all kinds of products today. And while facial hair fashions have changed drastically through the years since the … Continue reading Facial Hair Friday: Make a date with Uncle Sam
