About the National Archives
Of all documents and materials created in the course of business conducted by the United States Federal government, only 1%-3% are so important for legal or historical reasons that they are kept by us forever.
Those valuable records are preserved and are available to you, whether you want to see if they contain clues about your family’s history, need to prove a veteran’s military service, or are researching an historical topic that interests you. Learn more
Spotlight on National Archives History
The National Archives and Records Administration became an independent federal agency in 1985. Learn about how the archives came into independence in a video panel discussion about our journey.
Prologue: NARA's Quarterly Magazine
Current Issue:
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A Victor in Defeat Lakota Chief Gall, a leader at the Battle of Little Big Horn, had to adopt a new status as an agency Indian following his surrender to the U.S. Army in 1881. |
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The Electoral College: A Message from the "Dean" The National Archives manages the Electoral College, which elects our President and Vice President every four years. |
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The Ordeal of a Biographer One former President, Herbert Hoover, writes about an earlier President, Woodrow Wilson. |
Legendary Archivist John Taylor Dies at 87
John E. Taylor, an archivist at NARA for 63 years and a legend among those researching World War II and postwar intelligence activities, died September 20, 2008 at his home. He was 87.
