The National Archives Celebrates American Archives Month

October is American Archives Month to raise awareness about the value of archives and archivists! The National Archives is celebrating American Archives Month with a variety of activities. October 5 on Twitter is #AskAnArchivist Day when staff from across the nation, including our Presidential Libraries, answer questions and talk about what it’s like to be an … Continue reading The National Archives Celebrates American Archives Month

Our First Archivist, Robert D.W. Connor

The National Archives was created on June 19, 1934. During the month of June, the National Archives History Office is sharing stories about the former Archivists of the United States. Today's post is from Sarah Basilion.  When President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed Robert D.W. Connor the first Archivist of the United States in 1934, Connor faced … Continue reading Our First Archivist, Robert D.W. Connor

The Archivist’s Favorite Pancakes

Some might say the best part of sleeping over at the National Archives is snoozing the night away beneath the Constitution, but we know the best part is having the Archivist of the United States make you pancakes for breakfast! Three times a year, kids and their parents can stay overnight at the National Archives. … Continue reading The Archivist’s Favorite Pancakes

Sara Dunlap Jackson: Archivist Extraordinaire

In honor of Women's History Month, I want to celebrate one of our most cherished former employees—Sara Dunlap Jackson. After I was appointed Historian, numerous local historians approached me to say that I just had to research Sara Dunlap Jackson because she was so important to the history of the agency. Archivist Sara Jackson, 1955. … Continue reading Sara Dunlap Jackson: Archivist Extraordinaire

Two more sleepover opportunities at the National Archives!

Due to the popularity of the inaugural Rotunda sleepover in January, the National Archives and the Foundation for the National Archives (FNA) have partnered to host summer and fall sleepovers for children 8 to 12 years old. The sleepovers are scheduled for August 2 and October 18. The Foundation is giving away 3 free tickets--enter the … Continue reading Two more sleepover opportunities at the National Archives!

Top 14 Moments at the National Archives in 2013

Wow--what a year! Our editorial panel tried to limit this list to ten, but eventually we gave up and picked 14 instead. (For more great National Archives moments, check on out the Top 10 Innovative Moments of 2013.) We also want to send a big thank you to the staff members of the National Archives across … Continue reading Top 14 Moments at the National Archives in 2013

American Archives Month: Sarah Malcolm, Roosevelt Library

We're kicking off Halloween week by heading over to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, NY. We asked archivist Sarah Malcolm about public misconceptions of her profession. "The word archivist is a misconception in and of itself, since unfortunately most people aren't sure what that word means," Malcolm said. "Usually, the … Continue reading American Archives Month: Sarah Malcolm, Roosevelt Library

The people are voting. And the winner is . . . up to you!

Today's blog post comes from Bruce Bustard, curator at the National Archives in Washington, DC. “Exercise your right to vote! This time, help shape the new exhibition space at the National Archives.” David S. Ferriero, Archivist of the United States The National Archives invites you to choose an original document for our new exhibition. America’s … Continue reading The people are voting. And the winner is . . . up to you!

What are you doing on July 4?

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! (And if you don't like the heat, you can now watch the program live from inside the National Archives building. Email specialevents@nara.gov to reserve a seat in our air-conditioned … Continue reading What are you doing on July 4?

To Choose a President

Today's post originally appeared in the 2012 Summer Issue of Prologue magazine, and was written by Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero. The Electoral College. Established 1787. It isn’t really a college, and the electors aren’t tenured professors. The electors are really voters, and their votes count in a very big way. The … Continue reading To Choose a President