flyer w/images and details of the genealogy series

Join the National Archives for the 2023 Genealogy Series!

The National Archives and Records Administration is pleased to present our annual Genealogy Series on YouTube. This educational series of lectures will teach you how to use federal resources at the National Archives for genealogical research. Our program this year celebrates public service, with presentations on military and civilian records. You will also learn how … Continue reading Join the National Archives for the 2023 Genealogy Series!

The Constitution

Guiding Document – Records Related to the Constitution in the National Register of Historic Places

Constitution Day (National Archives Identifier 231832917) In the month of September, the nation observes Constitution Day, the day that recognizes the adoption of the United States Constitution, as well as individuals who have become U.S. citizens. Constitution Day is observed on September 17 when the delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document in Philadelphia, … Continue reading Guiding Document – Records Related to the Constitution in the National Register of Historic Places

“Outsiders” in the United States Army during the American War for Independence

Today’s post is by Dr. Greg Bradsher, Senior Archivist at the National Archives at College Park, Maryland.  Throughout the U.S. Army’s history there have been political and social issues surrounding the recruitment and utilization of “outsiders,” people who were not like the majority of white and native-born soldiers with whom they served. This post takes … Continue reading “Outsiders” in the United States Army during the American War for Independence

Tadeusz Kościuszko: For Our Freedom and Yours

Today’s post is by Anita Solak, Archives Technician at the National Archives in Washington, DC. For several weeks in June this year the streets of Washington, DC filled with protests, marches, and demonstrations as Americans of all backgrounds came out to voice their opposition to systemic racism in the aftermath of the killing of George … Continue reading Tadeusz Kościuszko: For Our Freedom and Yours

Elbridge Gerry and the Constitution, 1787-1788

Today’s post is written by Dr. Greg Bradsher, Senior Archivist at the National Archives at College Park. It had been a long, hot summer for Elbridge Gerry, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and his colleagues in 1787 at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall. They had come to Philadelphia in May to improve upon the Articles … Continue reading Elbridge Gerry and the Constitution, 1787-1788

Caleb Brewster

Today’s post is written by Jackie Kilby, Archives Technician at the National Archives at College Park, MD. After the end of the American Revolutionary War numerous veterans were disabled, or invalid, and petitioned for pensions to the United States Congress and/or their State Governments.  One such person was Caleb Brewster, a name made recognizable by … Continue reading Caleb Brewster

Oliver Pollock – Supporter of the Revolution, Creator of ‘$’

Today's post was written by Jackie Kilby, Archives Technician at the National Archives at College Park, MD. Oliver Pollock is a name not widely known in American History.  He was an Irish immigrant who settled in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and later found work as a successful merchant and trader in Philadelphia.  After the end of the … Continue reading Oliver Pollock – Supporter of the Revolution, Creator of ‘$’

African Americans and the American War for Independence

Today's post is by Dr. Greg Bradsher. Englishman Nicholas Cresswell, during July 1777, wrote in his journal that the American army was composed of a “ragged Banditti of undisciplined people, the scum and refuse of all nations of earth.”  Baron Curt von Stedingk, a Swedish colonel in French service, described the American army in Savannah … Continue reading African Americans and the American War for Independence

Elbridge Gerry and the Constitutional Convention, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights

Today’s post is written by Dr. Greg Bradsher. This September 17th is the 225th birthday of the Constitution.  Undoubtedly thousands of people will visit the Rotunda of the National Archives to see the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, as well as the Articles of Confederation.  If they look up at the murals … Continue reading Elbridge Gerry and the Constitutional Convention, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights

Happy Mother’s Day to All, Past and Present

By Monique Politowski As we make our brunch reservations, choose the perfect greeting card, and make the rest of our preparations for Mother’s Day this Sunday, let’s not forget the women, the mothers of our nation, who took a stand for women’s rights and blazed the trail for future movements. Men such as George Washington, … Continue reading Happy Mother’s Day to All, Past and Present