About the National Archives

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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. Go

Prologue: NARA's Quarterly Magazine

Current Issue:

Prologue magazine brings readers stories based on the rich holdings and programs of the National Archives across the nation—from Washington, DC, to the regional archives and the Presidential libraries.

Order Prologue now!

Summer 2009 Highlights:

Our Story
On June 19, 1934 the National Archives was born. 75 years later it has grown into the nation's recordkeeper. Learn about its colorful past here, from OSS spies to independence.

In the King’s Service
Hugh Finlay had some big shoes to fill after George III fired fired the nation's first postmaster, Benjamin Franklin.

When the "Enemy" Landed at Angel Island
The story of hostile aliens and deported resident radicals interned at San Francisco’s Angel Island during World War I.