First Lady of Law: Mabel Walker Willebrandt

March is Women's History Month. Visit the National Archives website for resources and virtual events related to women's history. Today’s post comes from Thomas Richardson, an archives technician at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri. When everyone around you is breaking the law, what do you do? For Mabel Walker Willebrandt, the … Continue reading First Lady of Law: Mabel Walker Willebrandt

On Exhibit: The American Debate about Alcohol Consumption During World War II

Today’s post comes from Emily Niekrasz, an intern in the National Archives History Office in Washington, DC. In March 2015 the National Archives opened “Spirited Republic: Alcohol in American History,” a new exhibit that explores the complex love-hate relationship between America and alcohol. The exhibit’s curator, Bruce Bustard, has written, “These two different views of alcoholic … Continue reading On Exhibit: The American Debate about Alcohol Consumption During World War II

On Exhibit: “Lady Hooch Hunter”

Today's post comes from Zach Kopin, an intern in the National Archives History Office in Washington, DC. A new exhibit on America’s connection to alcohol is now on display at the National Archives. “Spirited Republic: Alcohol and American History” is about the United States’ love-hate relationship with the “demon rum.” Bruce Bustard, the exhibit's curator, … Continue reading On Exhibit: “Lady Hooch Hunter”

Prohibition and the Rise of the American Gangster

Today's post comes from Gregory Marose, an intern in the National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications. As Prohibition commenced in 1920, progressives and temperance activists envisioned an age of moral and social reform. But over the next decade, the “noble experiment” produced crime, violence, and a flourishing illegal liquor trade. The roots of Prohibition date … Continue reading Prohibition and the Rise of the American Gangster

The Taxman Cometh: U.S. v. Alphonse Capone

Today's post comes from Gregory Marose, an intern in the National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications. UPDATE: Capone's criminal case file has been digitized and is now online.  Al Capone—the quintessential American gangster—headed the nation’s most notorious organized crime syndicate for more than a decade during Prohibition. Through smuggling, bootlegging, and a variety of … Continue reading The Taxman Cometh: U.S. v. Alphonse Capone

Thursday’s Photo Caption Contest

Today's post comes from National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications staff writer Rob Crotty. It's time to "spill" the beans on who won last week's contest. While we had more fun than a "barrel" of monkeys reading through your comments, settling on a winner was a "sobering" task. We loved Gabby's "There was some … Continue reading Thursday’s Photo Caption Contest

Thursday’s Photo Caption Contest

Today's post comes from National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications staff writer Rob Crotty. Ladies and Gentlemen, what a contest! After long deliberation, the Archivist of the United States has settled on a winning caption from last week's photo caption contest. Its author will win eternal fame, fortune, and a 30% discount from the … Continue reading Thursday’s Photo Caption Contest