The National Archives

According to our recent poll, the visitors to our web site support a national archive program. Fortunately, we have one located in Washington D.C. It is called the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). NARA is open to the public and includes "...essential evidence that documents the rights of American citizens, the actions of Federal officials, and the national experience from the nation's beginning in 1774." (NARA, 2008). It includes the Declaration of Independence, Consitution, Bill of Rights, military and Presidential records, geneology information, maps and photos. There are over 6 billion pieces of paper archived in the Washington D.C. branch. NARA was established in 1934 in Washington, D.C. and there are an additional 22 regional locations throughout the United States. In addition, NARA operates the 12 Presidential libraries. The Presidential Records Act of 1978 requires all President and Vice Presdient records to become public records. The NARA maintains these records and releases them according to the predetermined schedule. I have never visited the National Archives but found their website very informative. Has anyone visted the archive? If so, please post. If not, feel free to visit their web site http://www.archives.gov/and let me know what you think.

NARA. (2008). National archives and records fact sheet. National Archives. Retrieved on March 28, 2008, from http://www.archives.gov/press/factsheet.html