Public Service Recognition Week and the Archivist’s Awards

Despite the challenges of the past year–sequestration, the government shutdown, and other obstacles we have had to face– the staff of the National Archives has consistently risen to the occasion and has done some extraordinary work.

Archivist Award Ceremony 2014
Staff receive awards at the 2014 Archivist’s Awards Ceremony at the National Archives in College Park

 

For me, every week is Public Service Recognition Week and I have come to look forward to the Archivist’s Awards day when we celebrate our staff’s accomplishments.  All of our staff members are winners based on feedback supplied by our customers–the day-to-day work that doesn’t always get heralded. Here are some of the terrific things customers have to say about the staff of the National Archives:

  • An IRS agent was “taken aback by the professionalism and personal attention she received” at San Bruno. And another IRS person praised the FRC staff in Boston, Pittsfield, Seattle, and Lee’s Summit who “really went the extra mile to locate some very old Form 1120s––corporate tax returns.”
  • A  Department of Commerce records officer wrote: “Thank you again for coming and providing ERA training. You did fantastic, and the feedback was very good…. You are welcome to come back any time.”
  • At the National Personnel Records Center, a daughter searching for the military records of her late father wrote that “it is apparent you did a great deal of research in compiling all of the documents. I commend you on your dedication and commitment to your profession.”
  • A researcher at the Clinton Library commented that “that he had never before encountered archivists as solicitous and helpful as you.”
  • A Department of Labor records officer commented that [your] “assistance in bringing not only 1 but 4 KA classes to our department here in DC has facilitated our 26 assigned Records Officers … in meeting their certification requirements by the end of 2014. Our Department is very grateful for the outstanding support received and making this happen.”
  • And one more… A researcher at the Truman Library wrote “What a great job you all are doing there at the wonderful place you work….I really look forward to the next chance I get to do research there.  Thank you for what has been a very meaningful experience for me.”

And this is just a sampling of the compliments we receive from our customers!

As you all know we have amazing records in our holdings, but I want you to realize that the most important treasure at the National Archives is the staff. None of this would be possible without each one of them. To staff across the agency, I thank you for your service today and every day.

For a full list of the Archivist’s Award winners, click here.