About the National Archives
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is the nation's record keeper. 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
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Spotlight on National Archives History
Find out about defining moments in the agency's history through the decades with photo galleries, personal stories, and notices of special events throughout the nation. GoLegendary 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.
