In celebration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, we’re focusing on key events in the history of independence. Today’s post looks at the early months of the Second Continental …| Pieces of History
In celebration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, the National Archives is highlighting key events in our nation’s journey to independence. This edition explores the first battles of the American Revolutionary War: Lexington and Concord. Today’s post comes from Tracy Baker, an intern in the National Archives Office of the Executive Secretariat. … Continue reading Lexington and Concord: 22 Hours and a Shot Heard Around the World| Pieces of History
Today’s post is from Tammy K. Williams, archivist & social media manager at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum. Presidential transitions happen on a regular schedule afte…| Pieces of History
On April 1, 2025, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) turns 40. Visit the National Archives History Office website for more information on the history of our agency. Presi…| Pieces of History
In celebration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we’re focusing on key events in the history of our nation’s independence. This edition provides deeper insight into Patrick Henry and his famous proclamation: “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death.” Today’s post comes from Tracy Baker, an intern in the National Archives Office … Continue reading Liberty or Death: Patrick Henry’s Bold Proclamation| Pieces of History
Today’s post comes from Matthew Green, an archivist at the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library in College Park, Maryland. The Library’s records are closed to researchers until January 2026 b…| Pieces of History
As we look ahead to the nation’s 250th birthday, we’re looking back on the events celebrating our 200th. Today’s post, for Women’s History Month, looks back on a major exhibit at the National Archives during the bicentennial era. To coincide with International Women’s Year and the Bicentennial of the Declaration of Independence, the National Archives … Continue reading Celebrating American Women During the Bicentennial| Pieces of History
For Black History Month we’re taking a closer look at mathematician, statistician, astronomer, surveyor, and farmer Benjamin Banneker. Benjamin Banneker was born on November 9, 1731, in Baltimore County, Maryland. He lived on his family’s 100-acre farm near present-day Ellicott City his entire life. While many mythologies have developed surrounding Banneker and his accomplishments since his … Continue reading The Extraordinary Benjamin Banneker| Pieces of History
To commemorate Black History Month, a special featured document display on Freedmen’s Bureau Marriage Records will be in the East Rotunda Gallery of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC…| Pieces of History
On February 17, 2025, we’ll be celebrating “Washington’s Birthday,” which is the official title of the federally recognized holiday. Visit the National Archives website to learn more about our records related to George Washington—and other U.S. Presidents. This post was originally published in 2015. George Washington led the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, presided … Continue reading Washington’s Birthday: the Federal Holiday| Pieces of History
Visitors to downtown Washington, DC, on December 13, 1952, were treated to an interesting sight—armored vehicles escorted by a barrage of military and police personnel. It wasn’t a holiday or the P…| Pieces of History
August 8, 2024, marks the 50th anniversary of Richard Nixon’s resignation as President of the United States. Today’s post is an update of Emma Rothberg’s 2014 article. Early the morning of June 17,…| Pieces of History
For nearly 20 years the National Archives’ Alexandria Federal Records Center was housed in the former U.S. Naval Torpedo station located on Alexandria’s waterfront. A view of the Alexan…| Pieces of History
When architect John Russell Pope was designing the National Archives Building, he included numerous symbolic elements to convey the ideas of protection. Around the building are swords, shields, and…| Pieces of History
As the 2024 Summer Olympics approaches, we’re having an #ArchivesHashtagParty: #ArchivesGoForGold! Join us on Friday, July 12, 2024, to celebrate all achievers, from Olympic champions to unsu…| Pieces of History
As we look forward to the upcoming 250th anniversary of our nation in 2026, we’re looking back at the 175th anniversary celebration in 1951. For more information on July 4 and the National Archives…| Pieces of History
June 19th, or “Juneteenth,” is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Today’s post, looking at the history of the federal holiday, comes from Saba Samy,…| Pieces of History
