Patent of the Month: Illuminating-Devices for Christmas Trees

Happy Holidays! Illuminating-Devices for Christmas Trees, Patent 194421, August 21, 1877. Records of the Patent and Trademark Office. National Archives and Records Administration (Page 1) Illuminating-Devices for Christmas Trees, Patent 194421, August 21, 1877. Records of the Patent and Trademark Office. National Archives and Records Administration (Page 2) Illuminating-Devices for Christmas Trees, Patent 194421, August 21, 1877. … Continue reading Patent of the Month: Illuminating-Devices for Christmas Trees

Rubenstein Gallery Opening

Last night we opened the David M. Rubenstein Gallery, the home of our new Records of Rights permanent exhibit. The new David M. Rubenstein Gallery, hosting the “Records of Rights” permanent exhibit, which discusses the rights of women, immigrants, and African Americans. David Rubenstein is a passionate advocate for the National Archives and for educating … Continue reading Rubenstein Gallery Opening

What is Past is Prologue: Appointing the first Historian of the National Archives

Earlier this year, Jessie Kratz was appointed Historian of the National Archives—our first!  Jessie has been with the Archives nearly 15 years—most recently on staff at the Center for Legislative Archives. Over the years, many staff members have informally filled that role in various capacities and I want to thank them for recognizing the importance … Continue reading What is Past is Prologue: Appointing the first Historian of the National Archives

Declassification Prioritization

The Public Interest Declassification Board (PIDB) recently hosted an open meeting to discuss its recommendations to the President on Transforming the Security Classification System, focusing on declassification prioritization. PIDB continues to advocate for public discussion on the report. This meeting represented opportunities to highlight recommendations from the report, continue the conversation about the current declassification … Continue reading Declassification Prioritization