Documerica: Seeing the Seventies More Clearly

Today's blog post comes from Hannah Fenster, summer intern with the Public Affairs Office. Ever wonder why your photographs of the 1970s are slowly changing color? Hint: They don’t want makeovers or need more fuchsia in their lives. More likely, their aging appearances come from the original film type and from years of storage at … Continue reading Documerica: Seeing the Seventies More Clearly

Enemy Aliens in Kansas City

Today's post comes from Kimberlee Ried, public programs specialist at the National Archives in Kansas City, MO. After war was declared by Congress in April 1917, non-naturalized "enemy aliens" were required to register with the Department of Justice as a national security measure. A Presidential Proclamation of November 16, 1917, meant that "all natives, citizens, … Continue reading Enemy Aliens in Kansas City

Facial Hair Friday: Herman Haupt’s Success Proportional to the Size of His Beard

Today's blog post comes from Hannah Fenster, summer intern in the Public Affairs Office of the National Archives. Herman Haupt wasn’t hurting for hair. Or confidence. The scruff that framed his face and eyes contributed to his imposing persona—which was so stubborn that he often refused the help of other people so he could accomplish … Continue reading Facial Hair Friday: Herman Haupt’s Success Proportional to the Size of His Beard

Minnie Spotted Wolf and the Marine Corps

Today's blog post comes from Cody White, archivist at the National Archives in Denver. It was 70 years ago this month that Minnie Spotted Wolf, one of the first Native American women to enlist in the U.S. military, joined the United States Marine Corps Women’s Reserve. Born and raised on a ranch near White Tail Creek, … Continue reading Minnie Spotted Wolf and the Marine Corps

The 150th anniversary of Pickett’s Charge

Today’s guest post comes from Robert Lee Tringali, program analyst at the National Archives. Starting on July 1, the last three days have marked the sesquicentennial anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, the turning point of the Civil War. In particular, today marks the anniversary of Pickett’s Charge, the defining event of the battle. The … Continue reading The 150th anniversary of Pickett’s Charge

My name is Harvey Milk—and I want to recruit you.

Today's blog post comes from Michael Hussey, education and exhibit specialist at the National Archives. What do Sean Penn and Ronald Reagan have in common? Probably not a whole lot besides Harvey Milk. In 2008, Penn played the role of San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk in the Academy Award–winning film Milk. In 1978, former Governor … Continue reading My name is Harvey Milk—and I want to recruit you.

Suffrage and suffering at the 1913 March

Today's blog post comes from Jessie Kratz, archives specialist in the Center for Legislative Archives. As woman suffrage advocates marched along Pennsylvania Avenue on March 3, 1913, they were met with crowds of unruly men blocking their paths and shouting derogatory remarks. While making preparations for the parade, organizers had made repeated attempts to secure … Continue reading Suffrage and suffering at the 1913 March

Eisenhower and (Tank) Driver’s Ed

Today’s post comes from Christopher Abraham at the Eisenhower Presidential Library. He answers a question each week on Facebook. This week’s Ask an Archivist query comes from Pennsylvania. "Did Eisenhower teach Patton how to drive a tank at Camp Colt in Gettysburg?" Anonymous Captain George S. Patton knew how to drive a tank by the … Continue reading Eisenhower and (Tank) Driver’s Ed

A glimpse into the Civil War experience of Company F

Today's blog post comes from Mary Burtzloff, archivist at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library. The black leather-bound journal had water stains and mold around the edges. It looked a bit icky, but the contents of the Civil War journal fascinated me. One hundred and fifty years after our nation’s bloodiest conflict, we are  reminded … Continue reading A glimpse into the Civil War experience of Company F

Washington’s first Inaugural Address now on display

"My station is new; and, if I may use the expression, I walk on untrodden ground." --George Washington in a letter, January 9, 1790 Today's post comes to us from Michael Hussey, education and exhibition specialist at the National Archives. In  honor of the 2013 Inauguration, the first and last page of Washington's first Inauguration … Continue reading Washington’s first Inaugural Address now on display