Setting the Records Straight

Today’s post comes from Dan Ruprecht, intern in the Center for Legislative Archives at the National Archives in Washington, DC.  From its earliest days, the Federal Government has been concerned with preserving its records. During its very first session, the First Congress under the new Constitution in 1789 passed the Records and Seals Act, setting … Continue reading Setting the Records Straight

Loan to Nevada Museum of Art

Today's post comes from James Zeender, Senior Registrar at the National Archives.  The Emancipation Proclamation will be on exhibit at the Nevada Museum of Art for 36 hours from October 30 to November 2, 2014. This will be the capstone to the museum's exhibition "The 36th Star: Nevada's Journey from Territory to State," which opened on August 2. It features … Continue reading Loan to Nevada Museum of Art

Fala and Barkers for Britain, 1941

Today's post commemorates National Dog Day, which celebrates dogs everywhere on August 26. Bow-wow! Calling all dog lovers—arguably history’s best known Presidential pet was Franklin Roosevelt’s Scottish terrier, Murray the Outlaw of Falahill (Fala for short), who was named after FDR’s famous Scottish ancestor, John Murray. He was given to Roosevelt in 1940 as a Christmas … Continue reading Fala and Barkers for Britain, 1941

Civil War Fashion: A Facial Hair Frenzy

Today's post comes from Marisa Hawley, intern in the National Archives Strategy and Communications office. As part of the "six weeks of style" celebration to recognize the Foundation for the National Archives' partnership with DC Fashion Week, we are showcasing fashion-related records from our holdings. This week's fashion theme is Classy Women (and Men) of the 19th Century. … Continue reading Civil War Fashion: A Facial Hair Frenzy

The Senate irritates the President

This post continues our celebration of the 225th anniversary of the First Congress. The Constitution gives the President the “power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties.” This first time the President attempted to seek that advice occurred in August 1789 when first President George Washington sent a message … Continue reading The Senate irritates the President

Air Force One and Presidential Air Travel

Today’s guest post comes from Susan Donius, Director of the Office of Presidential Libraries at the National Archives. This post originally appeared on the White House blog. The President of the United States must be ready to travel anywhere in the world on a moment’s notice. Fortunately, modern Presidents have access to a variety of … Continue reading Air Force One and Presidential Air Travel

The burning of Washington

August 24, 2014, marks the 200th anniversary of the British burning of Washington during the War of 1812. In August 1814, British forces occupying the Chesapeake Bay began to sail up the Patuxent River in Maryland. Fearing an attack on the capital, Secretary of State James Monroe offered to scout the British position and report … Continue reading The burning of Washington

Hats Off to the Tri-Corner Hat

Today's post comes from Marisa Hawley, intern in the National Archives Strategy and Communications office. As part of the "six weeks of style" celebration to recognize the Foundation for the National Archives' partnership with DC Fashion Week, we are showcasing fashion-related records from our holdings. This week's fashion theme is the Revolutionary War: Fashion during America's Fight … Continue reading Hats Off to the Tri-Corner Hat

Six weeks of style with the National Archives

Get ready to put your best fashion foot forward—and take a step back into the trends of the past—with the National Archives! This fall, the Foundation for the National Archives is partnering with DC Fashion Week to host the opening night. This semiannual event was originally created to spotlight the nation’s capital as a dynamic center of … Continue reading Six weeks of style with the National Archives

Truman, Bacall, and That Photograph

By Jim Worsham Harry S. Truman had been Vice President of the United States for only a few weeks when he showed up on February 10, 1945, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. He had agreed to take part in a show for some 800 servicemen. For his part of the show, Truman … Continue reading Truman, Bacall, and That Photograph