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
New to the Archives?
Most Requested
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.
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Prologue: NARA's Quarterly Magazine
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.
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.