Of paper cuts and ink stains: the paperwork of the Custom House

Today's post is written by Stephanie Stegman, the special media projects volunteer at the National Archives at Fort Worth. This is the second post in a three-part series. (If you missed it, the first post can be found here.) Today’s topic is paperwork.  Paperwork was a vital part of daily life at the New Orleans Custom … Continue reading Of paper cuts and ink stains: the paperwork of the Custom House

Inside the New Orleans Custom House

Today's post is written by Stephanie Stegman, the special media projects volunteer at the National Archives at Fort Worth. This is the first post in a three-part series. Electoral projections are a popular topic these days, and everyone has an opinion. In July 1860, two engineers in Louisiana exchanged their predictions on the upcoming presidential … Continue reading Inside the New Orleans Custom House

Determining the Deposition in 1775

By Monique Politowski This week in 1775, the battles of Lexington and Concord were fought in Massachusetts.  The Massachusetts militia and Lieutenant Colonel Francis Smith’s group of British troops suffered casualties, but it is still unclear which side fired the first shot that began the American Revolution. Record Group 360, The Papers of the Continental … Continue reading Determining the Deposition in 1775

Donated Records: A Worthwhile Adventure

Today's post is written by Kimberly Kronwall. My grandfather was an avid pilot and builder of airplanes.  As a child, I remember walking into his garage to check on the progress of his latest Taylorcraft aircraft.  Other than this limited exposure to airplanes (and the commercial flights I frequent) I am not by any means … Continue reading Donated Records: A Worthwhile Adventure

It (perhaps) does a body good

By Robin Waldman In June 1941, W. G. Campbell launched a sweeping investigation. As the Commissioner of Food and Drugs for what is now known as the Food and Drug Administration, he commanded all his Chief of Districts to determine, once and for all, the composition of . . . chocolate milk. In a letter … Continue reading It (perhaps) does a body good