Put a Pin in It! National Archives Joins Historypin

Have you ever looked at an historic storefront flanked by modern office buildings and wondered what the streetscape might have looked like back when that first building was constructed? If so, the National Archives’ new partnership with Historypin may be right up your alley! Historypin, a project of the British non-profit We Are What We … Continue reading Put a Pin in It! National Archives Joins Historypin

ScanPro 2000 Training Session

Today’s guest blog post comes from Rebecca Crawford of Research Services On October 25, twelve new scanning stations were installed in the Microfilm Research Room in Washington, DC. Since then many of our researchers have used the equipment; we have heard many positive reviews. If you have not used the equipment or you are interested … Continue reading ScanPro 2000 Training Session

Reminiscing with Vietnam Veterans at Archives II

At the National Archives, you never know who will come in to do some research.  A few weeks ago, the Still Pictures and Motion Pictures research rooms hosted about 30 Vietnam Veterans who were interested in researching the records of the Department of Army Special Photography Office- or DASPO for short.  The best part about … Continue reading Reminiscing with Vietnam Veterans at Archives II

Document Your Environment: Get Involved with Our Newest Student Contest!

Students, do you ever look at the environment around you, and wonder about what it used to look like or what it will look like in the next few decades?  Are you interested in doing something constructive to help raise awareness for environmental issues?  Then we have the perfect contest for you!  The National Archives … Continue reading Document Your Environment: Get Involved with Our Newest Student Contest!

The Scanners are Coming! The Scanners are Coming!

Today’s guest blog post comes from Rebecca Crawford of Research Services. The National Archives and Records Administration is pleased to announce the upcoming arrival of 12 ScanPro 2000s for the Microfilm Research Room in the National Archives Building in Washington, DC. The scanners will be in place by the end of October 2011. The ScanPro … Continue reading The Scanners are Coming! The Scanners are Coming!

Tech Tuesday: Making the Right Connections

Many of us have met long-time computer types who began working with computers long before PCs began appearing in the late 1970s. We recently interviewed a fascinating man who celebrates 50 years of working with computers. He loves explaining how computers moved from being complex, monstrous beasts run by certain “intelligentsia” into practical, analytical tools for everyday people; to how computers today help us communicate and work with each other, within different, newer social frameworks. His career led him to some fascinating developments in computer science, including early contributions to the beginnings of the Internet, where he now sits at the helm of a strategic team that is braving the most challenging tasks of dealing with Government information in the clouds. Dr. George O. Strawn is not just another computer/IT official who rose from the ranks – he is one of the most important thought leaders within Federal Government IT circles today. Plus, he loves the National Archives, because he says, “we bring to the table some of the toughest IT problems for all of the federal government that need to be solved in our time.” Read the first in our series of Applied Research interviews called “At the top of our List: Thought Leaders You Should Know”

Connect with Us on iTunes U

The National Archives just joined iTunes U, a dedicated area within the iTunes Store giving users public access to thousands of free lectures, videos, books and podcasts from learning institutions all over the world.  If you already have iTunes on your iPhone, iPad, iPod, or computer, you can search for "National Archives" on iTunes U to … Continue reading Connect with Us on iTunes U

Remembering 9/11: Photos from the George W. Bush Presidential Library Now Available on Flickr

This Sunday will mark the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.  As we remember the events of that day, the George W. Bush Presidential Library has posted more than 150 photos from their collection on Flickr.  The photos from September and October 2001 offer a glimpse into the world of President Bush … Continue reading Remembering 9/11: Photos from the George W. Bush Presidential Library Now Available on Flickr

Are You Preparing for the 1940 Census? We are!

Do you have the opening of the 1940 Census on April 2, 2012 marked on your calendar?  We do here at the National Archives.  For past Census releases we provided access to the Census on microfilm.  For the 1940 Census we will be providing free online access.  You’ll be able to search on the internet using … Continue reading Are You Preparing for the 1940 Census? We are!