Patent of the Month: Illuminating-Devices for Christmas Trees

by dferriero, posted in NARA Records, Patent of the Month

Happy Holidays! Illuminating-Devices for Christmas Trees, Patent 194421, August 21, 1877. Records of the Patent and Trademark Office. National Archives and Records Administration (Page 1) Illuminating-Devices for Christmas Trees, Patent 194421, August 21, 1877. Records of the Patent and Trademark Office. National Archives and Records Administration (Page 2) Illuminating-Devices for Christmas Trees, Patent 194421, August 21, 1877. … Continue reading Patent of the Month: Illuminating-Devices for Christmas Trees

Rubenstein Gallery Opening

by dferriero, posted in Collaboration, Leadership, Special Events

Last night we opened the David M. Rubenstein Gallery, the home of our new Records of Rights permanent exhibit. The new David M. Rubenstein Gallery, hosting the “Records of Rights” permanent exhibit, which discusses the rights of women, immigrants, and African Americans. David Rubenstein is a passionate advocate for the National Archives and for educating … Continue reading Rubenstein Gallery Opening

What is Past is Prologue: Appointing the first Historian of the National Archives

by dferriero, posted in Leadership, NARA Records

Earlier this year, Jessie Kratz was appointed Historian of the National Archives—our first!  Jessie has been with the Archives nearly 15 years—most recently on staff at the Center for Legislative Archives. Over the years, many staff members have informally filled that role in various capacities and I want to thank them for recognizing the importance … Continue reading What is Past is Prologue: Appointing the first Historian of the National Archives

Declassification Prioritization

by dferriero, posted in Collaboration, Leadership, NARA Records, Open Government, Participation, Records Management, Special Events, Transformation

The Public Interest Declassification Board (PIDB) recently hosted an open meeting to discuss its recommendations to the President on Transforming the Security Classification System, focusing on declassification prioritization. PIDB continues to advocate for public discussion on the report. This meeting represented opportunities to highlight recommendations from the report, continue the conversation about the current declassification … Continue reading Declassification Prioritization

Bringing History to Life

by dferriero, posted in NARA Records, Special Events

Last night I had the distinct honor of welcoming director Steven Spielberg to the National Archives and presenting him with the Foundation for the National Archives’ Records of Achievement Award for bringing our nation’s history to life on the big screen. Also joining us was previous award recipient Ken Burns, who spoke with Mr. Spielberg … Continue reading Bringing History to Life

Celebrating Passion and Accomplishment

by dferriero, posted in Collaboration, Leadership, NARA Records, Special Events

With the opening of the “Discovery and Recovery” exhibit, I had a chance last week to thank many of the National Archives staff who made it possible.  And it truly took a village to make this happen!  Staff from just about every corner of the Agency contributed—preservation and conservation, security, legal, communications, exhibits, digital engagement, … Continue reading Celebrating Passion and Accomplishment

Preserving History

by dferriero, posted in Leadership, Special Events

Next week we will be opening an extraordinary exhibit, “Discovery and Recovery: Preserving Iraqi Jewish Heritage,” at the National Archives in Washington, DC. The exhibit, spanning more than 400 years, tells the story of the dramatic recovery on May 6, 2003, of 2,700 books and tens of thousands of documents from a flooded basement in … Continue reading Preserving History

Congratulations to the Digital Public Library of America

by dferriero, posted in Collaboration, Leadership, NARA Records, Participation, Social Media, Special Events

What happens when archives, libraries and museums come together? They build something amazing. The Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) is here, and the National Archives is proud to participate as a leading content provider in this exciting online portal and platform. The DPLA provides a single online access point for anyone, anywhere to search and access … Continue reading Congratulations to the Digital Public Library of America

Patent of the Month

by dferriero, posted in NARA Records, Patent of the Month

The National Archives contains many archival gems. To share some of my favorites, I am starting a new feature for the blog, Patent of the Month. Eye Protector for Chickens Eye Protector for Chickens, Patent 730918, June 16, 1903. Records of the Patent and Trademark Office. National Archives and Records Administration (Page 2)   Eye Protector … Continue reading Patent of the Month