Fascinating Facts About the National Archives Building
"We must take steps to make sure that the documents of our democracy are
safe for the ages, for the millions of Americans and new immigrants and foreign visitors
who view them every year." -- President William J. Clinton, August 15, 1997, in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building |
Cost
In 1926 Congress appropriated $6.9 million (later increased to $8.5 million) for a national archives building.
Doors
The doors on the National Archives Building are the largest bronze doors in the world.
Courtyard
The original plan for the National Archives Building incorporated a courtyard into the center of the building. It was quickly filled in to provide more storage space.
OSS
The country's first centralized intelligence agency, the Office of Strategic Services, conducted some of its work in the National Archives Building during World War II. Some of the Archives staff even worked for the OSS during the war.
The Millennium Program
On August 15, 1997, President Clinton announced the nation's plans for the millennium from the Rotunda of the National Archives Building, which includes the reencasement of our national charters.