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History & Heritage

The resources on these pages assist in discovering information about the DOE's history, researching and using DOE records, visiting DOE museums and public facilities, and DOE historic preservation efforts.

Origins and Evolution of the Department of Energy
The Department of Energy has one of the richest and most diverse histories in the Federal Government. Although only in existence for a quarter century, the Department traces its lineage to the Manhattan Project and beyond. Explore the online histories and web sites, documenting the Department's origins, evolution, and field offices and facilities.

  • Histories, Timelines, Photographs
  • 25th Anniversary, 1977-2002
  • Secretaries of Energy

Research and Records
The Department of Energy welcomes researchers interested in documenting the Department's history. Many of the Department's records, including declassified materials on the nuclear weapons program, are open to the public. Browse the Guide to Researching the Department of Energy's Records and other finding guides and research aids.

  • Guide to Researching the Department of Energy's Records
  • Quick Reference to DOE's Historical Records.
  • Department of Energy Historical Research Center

Museums and Public Access
The Department of Energy supports museums and historic facilities across the country dedicated to displaying and interpreting the history of the Department and its scientific and technological missions. Public tours are also available at some of the Department's sites. Discover where to go for a fun and rewarding educational experience. 

  • Museums
  • Historic Facilities
  • Public Tours

Historic Preservation
The Department of Energy has a strong sense of responsibility for its material heritage. Owning some of the twentieth century's most historically significant physical properties, the Department oversees a vigorous historic preservation program dedicated to preserving and interpreting its heritage. Learn about the Department's historic preservation efforts. 

  • Historic Preservation Overview
  • Historic Preservation Executive Committee
  • Save America's Treasures Grants
  • Museums, Historic Facilities, and Tours
  • Manhattan Project Preservation Initiative
  • Cold War Preservation Initiative
  • Archaeology, Native Americans, and Local Site History
  • Historic Preservation News and Activities
  • DOE Cultural Resources Newsletter
  • 2005 DOE Cultural Resources Forum

 The Manhattan Project: An Interactive History
The United States Department of Energy Office of History and Heritage Resources, with the assistance of graduate fellows, has been developing an interactive web site on the Manhattan Project.  When completed, The Manhattan Project: An Interactive History will total some 120,000 words and over 200 pages and 500 images, including photographs, maps, and drawings.

 Submit a History Question
If you have a question about the history of the Department of Energy or one of its predecessor agencies, please contact us via email at HistoryDivision@hq.doe.gov.

  Related Links

Link: The White House Link: USA.gov Link: E-gov Link: Information Quality (IQ) Link: Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
U.S. Department of Energy | 1000 Independence Ave., SW | Washington, DC 20585
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