Unsung heroes of World War I: the carrier pigeons

Today’s post comes from Garet Anderson-Lind from the National Archives History Office. World War I was one of the first great wars during the industrial revolution. From the introduction of airplanes to the use of tanks and railway guns on the battlefield, soldiers had to contend not only with each other but with the productions … Continue reading Unsung heroes of World War I: the carrier pigeons

Happy Mother’s Day!

Every year I struggle with how I can show appreciation for my mom on Mother’s Day. This year I'm going retro and “making” my mom a gift by highlighting some of the National Archives holdings that relate to Mother’s Day. Although it was celebrated in several states for years, the first time Mother’s Day became … Continue reading Happy Mother’s Day!

The Hello Girls Finally Get Paid

Today’s post comes from Ashley Mattingly, who is an archivist at the National Archives at St. Louis, where she manages the collection of archival civilian personnel records. The United States entered World War I in April 1917. Along with the men who were recruited to fight, women were eager to assist with war efforts. Such … Continue reading The Hello Girls Finally Get Paid

Enemy Aliens in Kansas City

Today's post comes from Kimberlee Ried, public programs specialist at the National Archives in Kansas City, MO. After war was declared by Congress in April 1917, non-naturalized "enemy aliens" were required to register with the Department of Justice as a national security measure. A Presidential Proclamation of November 16, 1917, meant that "all natives, citizens, … Continue reading Enemy Aliens in Kansas City

Facial Hair Friday: A Letter from Hairy Harry

Today's guest post comes from Tammy Kelly at the Truman Presidential Library. This week’s Facial Hair Friday photo is a most unexpected person: Harry S. Truman, before he became President! At the Truman Library, we know of only two photographs of Truman wearing any kind of facial hair, so this is a rare photo, indeed. … Continue reading Facial Hair Friday: A Letter from Hairy Harry

What’s Cooking Wednesday: Flour Sack Art

One of the themes throughout our "What's Cooking Wednesday" posts has been war and food rationing. American citizens were asked to grow their own food, ration sugar, and eat less meat so that there would be more supplies for soldiers fighting overseas and for people with little food left in their war-torn country. As a result, … Continue reading What’s Cooking Wednesday: Flour Sack Art

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

What’s Cooking Wednesday: Whale Surprise!

Today's guest post comes from Jennifer Audsley Moore, who is an archives technician and volunteer coordinator at the National Archives at Kansas City. Whale: It’s what’s for dinner. At least, that is how the U.S. Food Administration and U.S Bureau of Fisheries would have it. During World War I, the U.S. Food Administration was established … Continue reading What’s Cooking Wednesday: Whale Surprise!

What’s Cooking Wednesdays: Canning for Victory!

Today's "What's Cooking Wednesdays" guest post comes from Kimberlee Ried, public programs specialist at the National Archives in Kansas City. Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses, yearning to breath free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore, Send these, the homeless, tempest tossed, I lift my lamp beside the golden door. These words, … Continue reading What’s Cooking Wednesdays: Canning for Victory!

Potatriots: The original Freedom Fries

These Iowa spuds were decades ahead of the "Freedom Fries" idea! To help the war effort during First World War, U.S. citizens were encouraged to eat more potatoes while wheat was being sent to the soldiers overseas. This World War I store window display showed potatoes dressed as soldiers, encouraging both children and adults to … Continue reading Potatriots: The original Freedom Fries