Cold War Diplomatic Games: The 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics

Today’s post comes from Callie Belback from the National Archives History Office. The Summer Olympic Games are a major international multi-sport event held every four years. The inaugural Games took place in 1896 in Athens, Greece, and since then have been held in various cities throughout the world. Historically, cities clamored to host the games, … Continue reading Cold War Diplomatic Games: The 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics

Escaping the White House: Camp David

On Friday, July 7, 2023, the National Archives is hosting a vacation-themed hashtag party. Join the conversation on Instagram and Twitter using #ArchivesHashtagParty and #ArchivesVacay. Today’s post is from Alyssa Moore in the National Archives History Office. Secluded in the Catoctin Mountains of Maryland, not far from Washington, DC, sits an active naval base called … Continue reading Escaping the White House: Camp David

Teamwork On and Off the Field: 1994 FIFA World Cup

Enjoy this year’s FIFA World Cup from November 20 to December 18, 2022, hosted by Qatar, and in just four years, watch out for the 2026 FIFA World Cup tickets for matches in 11 U.S. cities. Today’s post comes from Callie Belback from the National Archives History Office. On June 16, 2022, the Fédération Internationale … Continue reading Teamwork On and Off the Field: 1994 FIFA World Cup

‘Roger, go at throttle up’: The 35th Anniversary of the Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster

Today’s post comes from Thomas Richardson, an archives technician at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri. On January 28, 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger launched from the Kennedy Space Center on an abnormally cold morning. Temperatures dipped below freezing, evidenced by the formation of icicles on the launch pad. Weather conditions had … Continue reading ‘Roger, go at throttle up’: The 35th Anniversary of the Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster

Facial Hair Friday: Tom Selleck

It's Facial Hair Friday, and we’re taking a look at actor Tom Selleck and his iconic mustache. Today’s post comes from Michael J. Hancock, archives technician at the National Archives at College Park, MD. That red Ferrari, that Hawaiian shirt, that theme song, and that bushy mustache! Magnum P.I. was one of the most popular … Continue reading Facial Hair Friday: Tom Selleck

Don Wilson: Embracing Institutional Independence

The National Archives was created on June 19, 1934. During the month of June, the National Archives History Office is sharing stories about the former Archivists of the United States. Today's post comes from Sarah Basilion. Don W. Wilson was appointed seventh Archivist of the United States by President Ronald Reagan in 1987. He was the … Continue reading Don Wilson: Embracing Institutional Independence

Take a break with Presidential vacations!

Need a vacation? This summer, go on a vacation with 13 of our Presidents!  You can choose your own adventure on Instagram and chat with us on Twitter on August 19 using #POTUSvacation.   Vacations are an integral part of Presidential history, a way for Presidents to relax and recharge outside of Washington. Many of … Continue reading Take a break with Presidential vacations!

Happy “Other” Birthday, National Archives!

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed legislation establishing the National Archives as an independent agency on June 19, 1934, which is our agency's official "birthday." But, we also celebrate April 1, 1985, as our "other birthday." Why? Read on. Although the National Archives was created as an independent agency, Congress transferred it to the newly created General … Continue reading Happy “Other” Birthday, National Archives!

Annual Message on the State of the Union: The President Speaks

Today’s post comes from Christine Blackerby, an Outreach Specialist at the Center for Legislative Archives at the National Archives in Washington, DC. On January 8, 1790, President George Washington delivered a speech at Federal Hall in New York City. This speech, called his first annual message to Congress (which we now refer to as the State … Continue reading Annual Message on the State of the Union: The President Speaks

Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooal!

Today’s post celebrates the international sporting event that captivates billions of people every four years: the World Cup! Brazilian icon Pele is one of the world’s most recognized footballers. He is one of the few players to appear in four World Cup finals and the only player to win three World Cup titles (1958, 1962, … Continue reading Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooal!