Beer = mc2

Today's post comes from National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications staff writer Rob Crotty. In 1885, Munich's Oktoberfest was celebrated under the glow of the electric light for the first time. Who was responsible for that feat? None other than Albert Einstein himself. Granted, it may have been his father and uncle who are … Continue reading Beer = mc2

The price of freedom? About a $1.05

Today's post comes from National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications staff writer Rob Crotty. They say you can't put a price on freedom, but you can put a price on savings bonds! Watch this compilation of famous celebrities plugging savings and stamp bonds, from Mr. Ed and Lassie all the way to the Duke … Continue reading The price of freedom? About a $1.05

Before there was broadband, there was a beard

Long before the push to make high-speed Internet available across America, Samuel Morse was tap-tap-tapping information across America. By 1838, his telegraph machine was using a dot-and-dash system to send messages of up to 10 words a minute. He even convinced Congress to come to up with $30,000 to help him wire America. Morse was … Continue reading Before there was broadband, there was a beard

Thursday’s Photo Caption Contest

This week's winner is PaulO, who won us over with his creepy and vaguely dystopian caption "I am product # 751600." He wins 30% off a numbered product of his choosing at our eStore. And if you think this tube is an escape route from child-shaped robots run amok, you would be partially right! This picture … Continue reading Thursday’s Photo Caption Contest

Escape and Evasion files at the National Archives

Today's post comes from National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications staff writer Rob Crotty. Escape and evasion files are firsthand accounts of a military personnel's escape from behind enemy lines. In World War II, thousands of U.S. troops crashed in Nazi territory and had to evade capture or escape from German prisons. The National … Continue reading Escape and Evasion files at the National Archives

1924 round-the-world fliers complete their mission

At 1:28 p.m. on September 28, 1924, two planes landing in Seattle made history. The Chicago and New Orleans had flown 26,345 miles in 66 days to become the first airplanes to circumnavigate the globe. Four planes had started the journey on April 6, but the Seattle and Boston had been forced down over Alaska and … Continue reading 1924 round-the-world fliers complete their mission

The doodler who defied crooks and democratized donkeys

Today's post comes from National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications staff writer Rob Crotty. There are few artist in America who so greatly affected the popular landscape as Thomas Nast who was born 170 years ago today. Jolly old St Nick? Not so jolly before the Harper's Weekly cartoonist plumped him up. The Grand Old … Continue reading The doodler who defied crooks and democratized donkeys

The Mustache: Future of the South?

When you think of Samuel Clemens, do you think of the celebrated jumping frog of Calaveras County? His house in Conneticut? A yankee in King Arthur's court? Or do you think of his full, bushy mustache? As a child growing up in New England, I felt more familiar with the world of Lousia May Alcott … Continue reading The Mustache: Future of the South?

Thursday’s Photo Caption Contest

Today's post comes from National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications staff writer Rob Crotty. Rick B. won our hearts and minds with his caption last week of a donkey with a dangerous back blast. Understated, eloquent, simple in its beauty. Kudos, Rick, you've won 30% off at the National Archives eStore. An honorable mention … Continue reading Thursday’s Photo Caption Contest

The Peace Corps’ not-so-peaceful roots

Today's post comes from National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications staff writer Rob Crotty. It was 49 years ago today that President John F. Kennedy put pen to paper and established the Peace Corps. It was authorized by Public Law 87-293, an "Act to promote world peace and friendship through a Peace Corps." But despite its name, … Continue reading The Peace Corps’ not-so-peaceful roots