Historic Staff Spotlight: Faye Geeslin

It’s Women’s History Month, and we are taking a look at past staff and their many contributions to the National Archives throughout history. Today’s staff spotlight is on Faye Geeslin, who served as the administrative assistant for three Archivists of the United States.  Faye Geeslin (née Faye Killingsworth) was born on October 24, 1912, in … Continue reading Historic Staff Spotlight: Faye Geeslin

On the Basis of Sex: Equal Pay

March is Women’s History Month. Visit the National Archives website for resources and virtual events related to women’s history. Today’s post comes from Callie Belback from the National Archives History Office. During World War II, when a large numbers of men went off to war, a labor shortage ensued, which women quickly filled. By 1945, … Continue reading On the Basis of Sex: Equal Pay

Historic Staff Spotlight: Helen Beach

We are taking a look at past staff and their many contributions to the National Archives throughout history. Today’s staff spotlight is on Helen Beach, who worked for the National Archives from 1936 to her retirement in 1965 and developed her own cart, known as the "Beach Wagon."  Frances Helen Beach was born on July … Continue reading Historic Staff Spotlight: Helen Beach

Anna Coleman Ladd: An Artist Who Created Hope for Wounded Soldiers

In celebration of Women Inventors Month and Women's History Month, the National Archives commemorates the extraordinary women who have made great contributions throughout American history. Today's post comes from Dena Lombardo, an intern in the Office of Public and Media Communications. In 1917, American sculptor Anna Coleman Ladd moved from the United States to France … Continue reading Anna Coleman Ladd: An Artist Who Created Hope for Wounded Soldiers

What’s Your Story, Adelaide Minogue?

March is Women's History Month! Visit our website for more resources on women's history and to see how the National Archives is celebrating the month. Today's post comes from Alan Walker, an archivist in Textual Processing at Archives II. I am flabbergasted at how popular this photograph has become. Mrs. Adelaide Ansley Checking Hygrothermograph in Stack Area, 1940. (National … Continue reading What’s Your Story, Adelaide Minogue?

Women’s History in the Archives

March is Women’s History Month! Today’s post comes from Elle Benak in the National Archives History Office. In spring 1976 the National Archives held a ground-breaking conference on women’s history. It highlighted National Archives records that focused on the subject and discussed how women’s history could be studied as part of general history; not just … Continue reading Women’s History in the Archives

Virginia C. Purdy: Fighting for Women’s History

The National Archives History Office is wrapping up its month-long celebration of Women's History. Today’s post comes from Sarah Basilion. Commemoration of Women’s History Month at the National Archives would be incomplete without remembering Virginia C. Purdy, the agency’s one-time specialist in women’s history. In 1971 the National Archives loaned the Treaty of Paris to … Continue reading Virginia C. Purdy: Fighting for Women’s History

Claudine Weiher: The Fight for Independence

The National Archives History Office continues to celebrate Women's History Month. Today's post comes from Kirsten Dillon.  Claudine Weiher, former Deputy Archivist, was born Claudine Jackson on November 24, 1941, in Kansas City, MO. Dr. James B. Rhoads presents an award to Claudine Weiher, Planning and Analysis Branch, Office of the Executive Director. She was … Continue reading Claudine Weiher: The Fight for Independence

Dr. Elizabeth B. Drewry: A Leading Lady

The National Archives History Office continues to celebrate Women’s History Month with stories of former employees. Today’s post comes from Kaitlin Errickson. Elizabeth B. Drewry was a key member of the National Archives staff during her many years of service and became a leading woman in the field of archives. Elizabeth B. Drewry’s National Archives Identification Card, … Continue reading Dr. Elizabeth B. Drewry: A Leading Lady

Elizabeth Hamer Kegan: Educator and Innovator

The National Archives History Office continues to celebrate Women’s History Month with stories of former employees. Today’s post comes from Kaitlin Errickson. Elizabeth Hamer, 7/31/1951. (National Archives Identifier 12167572) Elizabeth “Betty” Hamer Kegan was an archival pioneer. As a founding member of the Society of American Archivists (SAA) and lead supporter of the Freedom Train, … Continue reading Elizabeth Hamer Kegan: Educator and Innovator