The Name Speaks for Itself

Today’s post comes from Dan Ruprecht, intern in the Center for Legislative Archives at the National Archives in Washington, DC.  On September 11, 1789, President George Washington sent the first cabinet nomination under the new U.S. Constitution to the Senate. Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution gave the power to determine federal officers to … Continue reading The Name Speaks for Itself

Now on display: Whitman’s Report on Cemeteries

In honor of Memorial Day, the 1869 Whitman Report on Cemeteries is on display in the East Rotunda Gallery of the National Archives Building from May 22 through June 5. Today's post comes from curator Alice Kamps. Memorial Day traditions began in the aftermath of the Civil War. The American people were just beginning what historian Drew Gilpin … Continue reading Now on display: Whitman’s Report on Cemeteries

History Crush: Charles Sumner

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to launch our new "History Crush" series. Staff from across the National Archives will share which historic person in our holdings makes their heart beat a little faster! Our inaugural guest post comes from Natalie Rocchio, who is an archives specialist at the Center for Legislative Archives in the National Archives. Since … Continue reading History Crush: Charles Sumner

Facial Hair Friday: Shiloh and Sideburns

There's something appealing about this pensive photograph of Ulysses S. Grant, from his somber clothes to his wistful gaze. He doesn't seem like someone who saw  some of the bloodiest fighting at Shiloh. Unlike many of our other featured Facial Hairs of the Civil War era, Grant's beard is not a runaway avalanche of hair, nor is it … Continue reading Facial Hair Friday: Shiloh and Sideburns

Cloudy with a chance of records

Weather has been front-page news across the country for the last couple of weeks. Winter storms have left up to 50 inches of snow in places, and even in Dallas, TX, snow and ice made the Packers and Steelers feel right at home at the Super Bowl. What’s the outlook for sunshine, snow, or rain in … Continue reading Cloudy with a chance of records