The Iron Lady was not always so steely

Today's guest post comes from Miriam Kleiman of the National Archives Public Affairs Office. The National Archives and Hollywood again converge, this time in a lengthy Foreign Service cable, declassified in 2006. Dated October 15, 1975, and sent from the U.S. Ambassador Elliot Richardson (of Watergate fame) in London to the U.S. Secretary of State … Continue reading The Iron Lady was not always so steely

Homestead Act still stirs excitement 150 years later

In the wake of the 150th anniversary of the Homestead Act, the Exhibits Division's senior registrar, Jim Zeender, and archivist Greg Bradsher flew out to America’s heartland to share a document that made it all possible. Last month, they visited the Homestead National Monument of America, four miles west of Beatrice, NE, to install the … Continue reading Homestead Act still stirs excitement 150 years later

Thursday Photo Caption Contest–May 23

Trying to choose a winner from last winner's caption contest got us all tangled up! How could we choose between balloon references, Air Force One, and the horrors of flying coach? Eventually we had to hand over our judging duties over to Natalie Rocchio, archives specialist in the Center for Legislative Archives. Natalie knows how to … Continue reading Thursday Photo Caption Contest–May 23

Reagan Library puts 900 goats to work

For the next month or so, more than 900 goats will be calling the Ronald Reagan Library and Museum home. "Last year, the Ventura County Fire Department broached the idea with us," said Reagan Library Director and Herder-in-Chief Duke Blackwood. "We've partnered with them for more than 10 years with brush clearance. We'd bring in teams of … Continue reading Reagan Library puts 900 goats to work

Constitution 225: No quorum, no Constitution!

Today's post was written by National Archives volunteer Paul Richter. It is the first in a series tracing the development of the Constitution in honor of the 225th anniversary of this document. Eleven years after the Declaration of Independence announced the birth of the United States, the survival of the young country seemed in doubt. … Continue reading Constitution 225: No quorum, no Constitution!

Thursday Photo Caption Contest—May 10

The clothes must make the man! Last week's photo caption contest winner featured Spring Fashion Week and canvas jumpsuits; this week's winner pokes gentle fun at what our congressmen might look like before they are suited up for work. Duke Blackwood, the Director of the Ronald Reagan Library and Museum, took on his guest judging duties with … Continue reading Thursday Photo Caption Contest—May 10

Sometimes an “S” is just an “S”

Today's blog post was written by Tammy Kelly, an archivist at the Harry S. Truman Library. When future President Harry S. Truman was born on May 8, 1884, his parents decided to name him Harry, after his mother’s brother Harrison Young. But what about a middle name? Harry’s parents could not come to a decision—should … Continue reading Sometimes an “S” is just an “S”

The Crossroads of the Genealogy World

Today's post comes from Gregory Marose, an intern in the National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications Pennsylvania Avenue is synonymous with iconic destinations and extraordinary events. From the White House to the United States Capitol, the notable institutions that line the street have hosted many of America’s most momentous occasions. Last month, the National … Continue reading The Crossroads of the Genealogy World

Sisters in Fate: The Lusitania and the Titanic

Today’s guest post was written by William B. Roka, a longtime volunteer at the National Archives in New York City. You can follow “Titantic Tuesdays” on Facebook as they post records and images in remembrance of the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. On the morning of May 1, 1915, Pier 54 on the … Continue reading Sisters in Fate: The Lusitania and the Titanic