Welcome to “The Rock”

Today’s post comes from Sonia Kahn in the National Archives History Office. On August 11, 1934, the first civilian prisoners arrived at the new federal penitentiary, which would infamously become known as “The Rock.” The high-security prison on Alcatraz Island, a short ferry ride from San Francisco, was meant to show the American public that … Continue reading Welcome to “The Rock”

Inspired by the Archives! Top Ten Tips for Writers

This post was written by Laura Brandt and originally appeared on the Facebook page of the Foundation for the National Archives. Flexing your literary muscles this month but facing writers' block? Don't forget that the National Archives has a wealth of information to enhance your tale, whether you are writing a historical novel or are … Continue reading Inspired by the Archives! Top Ten Tips for Writers

Facial Hair Friday: Prisons, Potatoes, Pipe Cleaners

You may have seen some of these beards and mustaches before! The mug shots of prisoners at Leavenworth Penitentiary have been featured here and here. But the images above take facial hair to a whole new level! Staff at the National Archives at Kansas City got together and created Potatriot dioramas (inspired by this post). … Continue reading Facial Hair Friday: Prisons, Potatoes, Pipe Cleaners

Facial Hair Friday: Daring escapes from Nazi prisons!

In honor of Bastille Day earlier this week, we present a French "moustache." This moustache decorates the face of General Giraud, here seen out walking in the gardens of the cliffside fortress Konigstein, where he was held as a POW by the Germans. He was captured in May of 1940 and escaped two years later. … Continue reading Facial Hair Friday: Daring escapes from Nazi prisons!