Weird Records from the Depths of the Archives

Halloween is right around the corner, and at the National Archives we are well versed in the creepiest, weirdest records of the Federal government. Here's our list of favorites that are sure to make you shudder with fear!   What's more dangerous- a poison bottle equipped with spikes or the poison itself?:     In … Continue reading Weird Records from the Depths of the Archives

Tell Us What You Think!

How do you like to get your news and information from the National Archives? Do you have access to what you need? How can we serve you better? Tell us what you think! Take this 10-minute survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/naraexternal The survey will be available until midnight, December 6. Thank you! * Update! The survey will now be … Continue reading Tell Us What You Think!

Circle the National Archives on Google+ and Hangout with the AOTUS!

The National Archives is glad to announce that you may now connect with us on Google+!  Come on over and follow us for exciting posts about news, exhibits, research, genealogy tips, resources, citizen archivist updates and so much more. Google+ is an online social community that aims to make sharing on the web more like … Continue reading Circle the National Archives on Google+ and Hangout with the AOTUS!

Which presidential inaugural address was the best?

This question just came in from a fan of the National Archives: Is there a consensus as to which presidential inaugural address was the best? I recognize that in this case "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" and it may be more accurate to think of the top five rather than single one … Continue reading Which presidential inaugural address was the best?

New Digital Scanner/Copier FAQs

ARCHIVES I and ARCHIVES II research rooms will shortly be getting new self-service digital scanner/copiers and a new copy card system. What kind of scanner/copiers have been purchased?  The scanner/copiers are the Sharp Model MX-M363, modified to use platen covers in place of document feeders, which are not permitted in copying original records.  The paper … Continue reading New Digital Scanner/Copier FAQs

How Can We Improve the Researcher Application Form?

Have you conducted research at the National Archives?  If so, you probably remember filling out this researcher application form.  We use this form as both a security measure to protect the records, as well as to better understand your research interests and goals.  We’ve made some updates to the form, and we’re looking for your feedback to … Continue reading How Can We Improve the Researcher Application Form?

Regulation Nation

The following post comes from Stuart Culy of the Policy and Planning Staff We want your comments, again! Last December, the National Archives started looking at changing the way we let the public know about new and changing record reproduction fees.  As a result of public comments and staff deliberations, we’ve drafted a proposed rule … Continue reading Regulation Nation

Ask Away on #Ask Archivists Day!

The National Archives will be here to answer all your archival questions on June 9th!  Known as Ask Archivists Day, this worldwide event on Twitter will bring together the people who collect, care for, and research archival records in one space where questions from general research practices to whether a repository has your ancestor's information … Continue reading Ask Away on #Ask Archivists Day!

Hypothetically Speaking: HOW Should We Let You Know About Fee Changes?

The following guest post comes from Stuart Culy of the Policy and Planning Staff. We want your comments!  NARA is thinking about changing the way we tell researchers, visitors, and anyone who’s interested about our record reproduction fees. Basically – the fees that we charge when we make copies of our holdings for a requester. … Continue reading Hypothetically Speaking: HOW Should We Let You Know About Fee Changes?

Question: Which U.S. decennial census is your favorite and why?

On April 2, 2012, the Federal Census Bureau will be releasing the 1940 Census for public access.  For many genealogists and researchers, the release of this census will open new insights into pre-war America, as well as provide opportunities for genealogists and family historians to continue their research into this most recent decade.  Like all … Continue reading Question: Which U.S. decennial census is your favorite and why?