100th anniversary of the National Christmas Tree lighting

In 2023 we mark the 100th anniversary of the first National Christmas Tree lighting. The lighting ceremony will take place on November 30, 2023, in President’s Park in Washington, DC. From December 2 through January 1, the public can visit the National Christmas Tree and be part of the annual holiday tradition in the nation’s … Continue reading 100th anniversary of the National Christmas Tree lighting

New Web Exhibit on FDR and the Presidential Library System

Today’s post comes from Andrew Grafton in the National Archives History Office. A man deeply devoted to preserving United States history, President Franklin D. Roosevelt made contributions to the National Archives that have proven invaluable. Not only did he sign the law creating the National Archives, appoint the first Archivist of the United States, and … Continue reading New Web Exhibit on FDR and the Presidential Library System

Creating a Presidential Library

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 Creating a Presidential Library

The Big Move: From the White House to Our House

For this year’s American Archives Month, we’ve decided to highlight a lesser known role the National Archives plays in promoting democracy: the transition of Presidential records into Presidential Libraries. During the month we’ll be sharing stories from staff who have been involved with Presidential records moves. We’ll also highlight some of our 13 current libraries. … Continue reading The Big Move: From the White House to Our House

Celebrate July 4th with the National Archives in DC, nationwide, and online!

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!

It’s time to #AskAnArchivist

We're excited to participate in #AskAnArchivist on October 30! Archivists from our locations across the nation are ready to answer your questions on Twitter tomorrow. We have archivists that concentrate on the history of the National Archives, work with audiovisual materials, declassify documents, textual reference, Presidential materials and more. This is your chance to find … Continue reading It’s time to #AskAnArchivist

Top 14 Moments at the National Archives in 2013

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

American Archives Month: Valoise Armstrong, Eisenhower Presidential Library

We continue with celebrating American Archives Month by showcasing some of our amazing archivists in the Presidential Libraries. This post takes continues our journey through the heartlands of America: Abilene, KS. Name: Valoise Armstrong Occupation: Archivist at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum How long have you worked at this library? After working for … Continue reading American Archives Month: Valoise Armstrong, Eisenhower Presidential Library

American Archives Month: Matthew Schaefer, Hoover Presidential Library

October is American Archives Month! Although we're partway through October, there's still time to celebrate the archivists from our Presidential Libraries. The series kicks off with a trip to the heartlands of America: West Branch, IA. Name: Matthew Schaefer Occupation: Outreach archivist for the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum How long have you worked … Continue reading American Archives Month: Matthew Schaefer, Hoover Presidential Library

Putting together a Presidential Library is a really, really big job

In 1939, President Roosevelt donated his personal and Presidential papers to the Federal Government, marking the beginning of the modern Presidential Library system that is part of the National Archives. Seventy-four years later, the newest Presidential Library holds more documents than FDR could have imagined. The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum holds more … Continue reading Putting together a Presidential Library is a really, really big job