The First Guide to Federal Records

The United States has been accumulating records since the first meeting of the Continental Congress in 1774. As the government grew, the paperwork it was creating grew too—exponentially. But until 1934 there was no national archives to consolidate the papers, so each government department, bureau, or office retained custody of its own records. Some official … Continue reading The First Guide to Federal Records

Waldo G. Leland: A Founder of the National Archives

Today’s post comes from Michael J. Hancock from the National Archives History Office. Waldo Leland Portrait. (Records of the National Archives) In the hallowed halls of the National Archives you’ll find portraits of the distinguished line of Archivists of the United States. They almost seem to look back at you with a sense of pride … Continue reading Waldo G. Leland: A Founder of the National Archives