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Taking our cue from a resolution of Harris County Commissioners Court in which 2021 was declared the “Year of the Library” in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Harris County Public Library, we decided to explore the special and fascinating libraries that exist in our country. No doubt, mostly everyone has heard of the Library of Congress, the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States and largest library in the world with millions of items in its vast collection. But what about the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)? NARA is a special library and brands itself as “the nation’s recordkeeper.” While the LOC’s collection consists primarily of books, recordings, photographs, and manuscripts, NARA’s collection captures documents and materials that were created during the conduct of government business and activities. However, NARA only retains approximately 1-3% of those documents, depending upon their legal or historical significance.
Due to the ongoing health crisis, NARA’s physical location is closed to the public. However, users are still invited to search the records through the use of NARA’s online catalog or by access to Archival Databases. Much of the material is available online, but for those documents or images that may not be, copies of the records may be available by ordering them. For people who are new to archival research, there is a handy overview of the process. NARA also is a great source for genealogical research. For those starting out, there is a PowerPoint and several videos available on YouTube discussing the types of records typically used. Visitors to the website will find a list of popular topics for genealogical resources held by NARA as well as some useful tools for genealogists to help them with their research. The website also features History Hub, an online forum where users can find answers to their research questions from genealogists, historians, and other community users.
Aside from its catalog and records, NARA has also created some interesting online exhibits. Covering such topics as the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake and Fire, the Deadly Virus, and Documented Rights, these online exhibits feature historical documents and photographs found in the collection as well as the collections of other archives and libraries. Current exhibits include “Discovery and Recovery: Preserving Iraqi Jewish Heritage,” “Records of Rights,” and “The Charters of Freedom.” In addition to the online exhibits, NARA also highlights individual documents in its collection with its Today’s Document. Check back each day to find out what the document is and to learn more about it. Visitors will also find links to our country’s founding documents, Magna Carta, and the Emancipation Proclamation and can explore the correspondence and writings of the country’s founders.
NARA is more than just a collection of documents; it is a record of the people who helped form our country and shape its history.