The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has one of the richest and most diverse histories in the federal government. Although only in existence since 1977, the Department traces its lineage to the Manhattan Project effort to develop the atomic bomb during World War II and to the various energy-related programs that previously had been dispersed throughout various federal agencies.
For questions about the history of DOE and its predecessor agencies please contact history@hq.doe.gov.
DOE History
A Brief History of the Department of Energy
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A short summary of the two major programmatic traditions that coalesced with the formation of DOE, at a particularly momentous time in U.S. history.
Historical Resources
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Find information on historical publications, museums and exhibits, DOE labs and field sites, and researching DOE records.
DOE History Timeline
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Provides a chronology of DOE history and its predecessor agencies and includes links to reports, speeches, press releases, and other documentation.
Manhattan Project Historical Resources
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Find links to DOE histories of the Manhattan Project, site histories, Manhattan Project records, and exhibits.
Manhattan Project National Historical Park
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Learn more about the background of the Manhattan Project National Historical Park, the authorizing legislation, and park implementation news.
Additional Resources
Cold War History
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This web page provides links to information about the history of DOE during the Cold War.
History Publications
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List of historical publications available through the Department's History Office, including free PDF versions.
Labs and Field Site Histories
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This page provides links to information about DOE laboratories and field site histories.
Exhibits, Museums, and Historic Facilities
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This page provides details on exhibits, museums, historic facilities and public tours affiliated with the Department of Energy.
Historical Photographs
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Link to albums in the DOE Flickr collections that include historical photographs.