Resources for the General Public

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Resources for the General Public

We have more than 9 billion paper records, 30 million photographs and close to t3 million maps and charts, all stored in more than 30 buildings around the country.

These historical documents are available to you in our exhibits and research rooms. Some are on this web site. Visit America's Historical Documents

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Presidential Libraries

Unique centers for the study of the American Presidency hold something special for everyone.

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Watch an American Conversation Now!

Informal conversations between the Archivist and people who've shaped the dialogue about the interpretation and use of American heritage can be viewed now from your desktop:

John Hope Franklin
The Historian and the African American Experience

Ken Burns
Discussion of his work and his current project, The War

Lindy Boggs and Cokie Roberts
Two Generations of an American Political Family.

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Life as First Lady, Senator, and best-selling author

All American Conversations with the Archivist

Prologue: NARA's Quarterly Magazine

Current Issue:

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.