Celebrate the Fourth of July at the National Archives!

Today's post comes from Mattea Sanders, an intern in the National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications. Every year, we celebrate Independence Day on the steps of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC. It’s a fun, free event for the whole family!   This year, Steve Scully of C-SPAN is our Master of Ceremonies. The Archivist … Continue reading Celebrate the Fourth of July at the National Archives!

Now On Display: The Civil Rights Act of 1964

Today’s post comes from David Steinbach, intern in the National Archives History Office. On July 2, 1964, with Martin Luther King, Jr., directly behind him, President Lyndon Johnson scrawled his signature on a document years in the making—the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the landmark legislation. The first … Continue reading Now On Display: The Civil Rights Act of 1964

Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooal!

Today’s post celebrates the international sporting event that captivates billions of people every four years: the World Cup! Brazilian icon Pele is one of the world’s most recognized footballers. He is one of the few players to appear in four World Cup finals and the only player to win three World Cup titles (1958, 1962, … Continue reading Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooal!

Doors of Monumental Proportions

Today’s post comes from Jessie Kratz, Historian of the National Archives. On June 19 the National Archives celebrates its 80th anniversary. Constitution Avenue Entrance with doors closed, 6/13/1936. (National Archives Identifier 7820634) If you have ever visited the National Archives in Washington, DC, you may have noticed two very, very large bronze doors that mark the … Continue reading Doors of Monumental Proportions

Happy Birthday National Archives

Today's post comes from Jessie Kratz, Historian of the National Archives. June 19 marks the anniversary of the establishment of the National Archives.  On June 19, 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed legislation creating the National Archives. It was the culmination of a 25-year campaign by the historical community to create a National Archives building … Continue reading Happy Birthday National Archives

The Father of Flag Day

Today’s post comes from Emma Rothberg, an intern in the National Archives History Office in Washington, DC. June 14 marks the annual celebration known as Flag Day.  On June 14, 1885, Bernard J. Cigrand placed a 10-inch, 38-star flag in a bottle on his desk at the Stony Hill School in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin. The 19-year-old … Continue reading The Father of Flag Day

On display: GI Bill of Rights

The GI Bill is on display in the East Rotunda Gallery of the National Archives Building from June 6 through July 14. Today's post comes from education and exhibit specialist Michael Hussey. “With the signing of this bill a well-rounded program of special veterans' benefits is nearly completed. It gives emphatic notice to the men … Continue reading On display: GI Bill of Rights

What did Ike say to launch the D-Day invasion?

Today's blog post comes from James Worsham, Editor of Publications at the National Archives, and Tim Rives, deputy director of the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum. The Supreme Allied Commander listened to his weather officer’s forecast,  then observed as his commanders struggled to make sense of the report. Finally, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, having ordered … Continue reading What did Ike say to launch the D-Day invasion?

The Eisenhower Library commemorates D-Day

June 6 marks the 70th anniversary of D-Day. This weekend, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum will commemorate D-Day with two days of events. Follow along on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram with #DDay70. And if you can't make it to Abilene, you can explore National Archives documents and photographs in our special D-Day exhibit "D-Day … Continue reading The Eisenhower Library commemorates D-Day