Thanksgiving as a Federal Holiday

This year the federal holiday Thanksgiving falls on November 23, the fourth Thursday of the month. But it wasn't always so. Today's post looks at Thanksgiving as a federal holiday and the various days it has been commemorated. To learn more about Thanksgiving and how the National Archives is celebrating, visit our website. One of … Continue reading Thanksgiving as a Federal Holiday

Robert F. Kennedy: Father of Modern American Liberalism

Today’s post comes from Alyssa Manfredi at the National Archives History Office. Robert “Bobby” Kennedy was a politician known as the father of modern American liberalism. As President John F. Kennedy’s younger brother, he used his position as a high-profile member of the Kennedy family to advocate for the civil rights movements of the 1960s. … Continue reading Robert F. Kennedy: Father of Modern American Liberalism

Historic Staff Spotlight: Eunice Whyte—Navy Veteran of both World Wars

As we commemorate Veterans Day, we want to thank all of the veterans who have served our country throughout the years. Today’s historic spotlight is on National Archives employee Eunice Whyte, who served in the U.S. Navy in both World Wars.  Only two women served in the U.S. Naval Reserves during both World War I … Continue reading Historic Staff Spotlight: Eunice Whyte—Navy Veteran of both World Wars

Manuel Quezon and the Push for Philippine Independence

October is Filipino-American History Month, and we’re commemorating it with a post on Manuel Quezon and Philippine Independence from Alexandra Villaseran, an archivist with the Center for Legislative Archives.  Today there are six nonvoting members in the U.S. House of Representatives: a Resident Commissioner representing Puerto Rico and one Delegate each for the District of … Continue reading Manuel Quezon and the Push for Philippine Independence

Historic Staff Spotlight: Linda J. Henry

We're celebrating American Archives Month by looking back on the history of the National Archives. Today’s staff spotlight is on Linda J. Henry, who sought to expand the archives profession and to explore new technological methods in archival theory during her 25 years at the National Archives. Linda J. Henry (1944–2008) was a dedicated archivist … Continue reading Historic Staff Spotlight: Linda J. Henry

T. R. Schellenberg: Maker of a Modern, American Archives

We continue of celebration of American Archives Month by looking at renowned archival theorist, T. R. Schellenberg. Today's post is from Alyssa Manfredi in the National Archives History Office. Theodore Roosevelt Schellenberg was born in 1903 in Kansas. An archivist, theoretician, scholar, and author, he was recognized as a pioneer of appraisal theory and approach, … Continue reading T. R. Schellenberg: Maker of a Modern, American Archives

Dolores Huerta: “Sí, se puede!”

Today’s post, from Alyssa Manfredi in the National Archives History Office, is in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month and looks at labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta. A co-founder of the Chicano movement, Dolores Huerta is an activist who continues to fight for the rights of laborers, women, and immigrants. She is … Continue reading Dolores Huerta: “Sí, se puede!”

The National Archives Celebrates 50 Years on South Pulaski Road in Chicago

We are celebrating American Archives Month with a series on National Archives history. Today’s post comes from Elise Fariello, an archives specialist at the National Archives at Chicago. The National Archives and Records Center building in Chicago is 50 years old in 2023! The building, located at 7358 South Pulaski Road, was built in 1973 … Continue reading The National Archives Celebrates 50 Years on South Pulaski Road in Chicago

The Bracero Program: Prelude to Cesar Chavez and the Farm Worker Movement

Today’s post, from Alyssa Moore in the National Archives History Office, is in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month and looks at the legacy of the Bracero Program. From 1942 to 1964, millions of migrant workers crossed the border from Mexico into the United States as braceros, a Spanish word for a “laborer who works … Continue reading The Bracero Program: Prelude to Cesar Chavez and the Farm Worker Movement

Gloria Estefan: Forging a New American Sound

Today’s post, from Alyssa Moore in the National Archives History Office, is in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month and looks at the iconic musician and singer, Gloria Estefan. One of the best-selling female artists of all time, Cuban-American singer Gloria Estefan’s unique sound broke barriers as she fused the musical style of Havana with … Continue reading Gloria Estefan: Forging a New American Sound