Across and Down: An Unusual Civil War Letter

Today's post comes from Dorothy Dougherty, Programs Director at the National Archives at New York City.  By current estimate, the National Archives has over 5 million cubic feet of traditional records in its holdings. Those textual records include manuscripts, memorandums, official business letters, and even the occasional personal letter.  Today’s post features one such personal … Continue reading Across and Down: An Unusual Civil War Letter

Exploring Irish History Through the Famine Files and Other Arrival Records

We're wrapping up Irish American Heritage Month. Today's post comes from Chris Gushman, Archives Director, and Dorothy Dougherty, Programs Director, at the National Archives at New York City. The National Archives and Records Administration’s (NARA) Access to Archival Databases (AAD) launched nearly 20 years ago, providing free public access to several series of government records … Continue reading Exploring Irish History Through the Famine Files and Other Arrival Records

The Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House and the National Archives at New York City

The National Archives is celebrating American Archives Month throughout October. Follow us on social media, and share your archives stories using the hashtag #ArchivesMonth. Today's post comes from Michael J. Hancock from the National Archives History Office. The National Archives History Office has published a new online exhibit, The Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House and the … Continue reading The Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House and the National Archives at New York City

Sisters in Fate: The Lusitania and the Titanic

Today’s guest post was written by William B. Roka, a longtime volunteer at the National Archives in New York City. You can follow “Titantic Tuesdays” on Facebook as they post records and images in remembrance of the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. On the morning of May 1, 1915, Pier 54 on the … Continue reading Sisters in Fate: The Lusitania and the Titanic

Lucy Ridsdale and the Titanic Tragedy

Today's post comes from Christopher Zarr of the National Archives at New York City. At first glance, some of our records may not grab your attention. Take for instance, two documents labeled Exhibit C and D. Exhibit C is a ticket from 1912 for excess luggage, and Exhibit D is a claim coupon to pick up one's bags … Continue reading Lucy Ridsdale and the Titanic Tragedy

New York State of Mind–er, Archives

I'm beginning to wonder if we even covered the Civil War at all in AP History. Before joining the National Archives, I had never heard of the Battle of the Crater, did not know that Confederate ships sailed all over the world, and had no idea that the Civil War had a draft and you … Continue reading New York State of Mind–er, Archives