Ida Wilson Lewis, lighthouse keeper and fearless Federal worker

Today's post comes from Ashley Mattingly, who is an archivist at the National Archives at St. Louis, where she manages the collection of archival civilian personnel records. The most well-known lighthouse keeper in the world was an American woman who was a Federal civil servant. Ida Wilson Lewis, lighthouse keeper of Rhode Island, saved somewhere … Continue reading Ida Wilson Lewis, lighthouse keeper and fearless Federal worker

Two more sleepover opportunities at the National Archives!

Due to the popularity of the inaugural Rotunda sleepover in January, the National Archives and the Foundation for the National Archives (FNA) have partnered to host summer and fall sleepovers for children 8 to 12 years old. The sleepovers are scheduled for August 2 and October 18. The Foundation is giving away 3 free tickets--enter the … Continue reading Two more sleepover opportunities at the National Archives!

The true story behind the Gettysburg sharpshooter

Today's post comes from curator Bruce Bustard. These photographs and documents are on display at the National Archives in Washington, DC, until July 15 in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. On July 5, 1863, photographer Alexander Gardner and his assistant, Timothy O’Sullivan, arrived at the site of the Battle of … Continue reading The true story behind the Gettysburg sharpshooter

No, it’s not in the Constitution

These days, pundits, candidates, and party activists like to cite the Constitution of the United States as the moral and legal backing for whatever they’re proposing. But the Constitution is silent on a lot of things you probably thought it said. Here are eight examples. The President can veto a proposed amendment to the Constitution. … Continue reading No, it’s not in the Constitution

‘Open’ for business

Today's post comes from National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications staff writer Rob Crotty. You may have noticed that things look a little different on our website today. That's because the National Archives just received a digital makeover, streamlining our look and feel and moving some items around on the back end too. While … Continue reading ‘Open’ for business