U.S. National Archives and Records Administration

“I'm taking pictures of the history of today.” —Russell Lee Our new exhibit, “Power and Lee: Russell Lee's Coal Survey,” opens on Saturday, March 16! Come visit the new exhibit to see more than 200 of Russell Lee’s photographs of coal miners, their families, and their communities. Lee was hired to take photographs as part of a federal government survey of medical, health, and housing conditions in coal communities What may be most distinctive about these images is their reflection of the photographer’s compassion for his subjects. It is their strength, dignity, and humanity that strikes the viewer. Although Lee’s earlier images of Depression-era Americans are well known, his 1946 coal survey images have had little exposure. The full series, which numbers in the thousands, can only be found in the holdings of the National Archives. Discover more about Power & Light: Russell: Lee's Coal Survey and our other featured exhibits at the National Archives in Washington DC: https://lnkd.in/gtWAPiZF #ArchivesPowerAndLight #Photography #NationalArchivesMuseum

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?? Join us for free virtual webinars designed for K–12 students and educators as part of our Civics for All of US initiative! This year, we're offering a range of topics like "The Constitution and Our Community" and "Voting Rights and Representative Government." These engaging webinars bring the Constitution to life, using primary sources from the National Archives to help students explore how this historic document shapes our rights and responsibilities today. Through interactive lessons, students can dive deep into key concepts of civic literacy and gain the knowledge to be active participants in their communities. Teachers can find sessions that fit their curriculum and grade levels throughout the week. Learn more about these programs in this National Archives News article: https://loom.ly/YIZ3czk ??: First page of the Constitution of the United States (cropped). https://loom.ly/-CDaDzw #CivicsForAllofUS #ConstitutionDay #Education

In this edition of the National Archives Catalog Newsletter, we’re celebrating #ConstitutionDay! On September 17, 1787, delegates at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia signed the Constitution of the United States, marking a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. In 2004, Congress officially recognized September 17 as Constitution Day. The Constitution, which required 40 hours of meticulous handwriting by Jacob Shallus, now resides in the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, along with the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and millions more documents and artifacts. Discover more about the Constitution’s journey from its creation to its permanent home and our annual Constitution Day naturalization ceremony. https://loom.ly/fLoCqWc

You can help increase access to our records! Anyone can serve as a citizen archivist, making contributions to the National Archives Catalog to enhance access and discoverability. Transcribe historical documents, tag archival photographs, or share comments with other community members. Join our Citizen Archivist program today to help unlock history! https://loom.ly/WR-RfZc

We are pleased to announce a funding opportunity from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission for archival projects. The Fiscal Year 2025 Archival Projects program supports initiatives that enhance access to America's historical records, promoting a deeper understanding of our democracy, history, and culture. Drafts are due on August 15, 2024 with a final deadline for proposals of November 7, 2024. For more information and application details, visit the NHPRC website: https://lnkd.in/eRyXwhpK

On Monday, September 9, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Advisory Committee launched its 2024-2026 term with its first in-person meeting since 2020 at the National Archives Building in Washington, DC. Archivist of the United States Dr. Colleen Shogan welcomed the group, and the Alina M. Semo, Director of the NARA Office of Government Information Services (OGIS), discussed key challenges including FOIA request volumes, statutory reforms, and implementing past recommendations. Learn more in this FOIA Ombudsman blog post. #OpenGovernment #FOIA

?? Explore the fascinating story behind the creation of the Detroit Industry Murals by Diego Rivera at the Detroit Institute of Arts! Commissioned by the museum's director and funded by Edsel Ford, these iconic murals were captured on film by the Moving Picture Department of the Ford Motor Company from 1932-33. The footage reveals Rivera's creative process, showing him at work alongside his wife, Frida Kahlo, who also appears in several scenes. The murals were inspired by Rivera's visit to Ford's River Rogue plant and other industries. While perceived by some as propaganda when created, the murals are now celebrated as some of Rivera's greatest work and were designated a National Historic Landmark in 2014 by the National Park Service. Check out the footage in our Catalog and learn more in this Unwritten Record blog: https://loom.ly/k18H9nQ ??: Screen capture of clip FC-FC-2756, Rivera and one of his assistants on scaffolding working on a section of the murals.

The next Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Friday, September 13, at 10 a.m. ET. The committee will discuss priorities for the 2024-2026 term and select subcommittees and co-chairs. This virtual meeting is open to the public and registration is required for those wishing to make public comments. Learn more on this FOIA Ombudsman blog: https://lnkd.in/e4TXwT8T #Archives #OpenGov

#ConstitutionDay is coming up! See the First Amendment in action through letters that kids have written to the federal government as part of their right to “petition the government for a redress of grievances.” Brush up on your civics knowledge with #CivicsForAllOfUS webinars for K-12 students and videos about the Constitution! https://loom.ly/DhdtjnI ??: Bill of Rights; 9/25/1789. https://loom.ly/edaBF90 ??: Letter from J. Jagliarin to President Harry S. Truman, 5/28/1948. https://loom.ly/3M7SsUg ??: Letter from Kelli Middlestead About the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, 4/13/1989. https://loom.ly/AygO13Q ??: Letter from Pam Kaplan to President Nixon, 12/7/1970. https://loom.ly/bATdxJQ ??: Letter to President Ford from children in third grade asking for a Kids Day, 5/1975. https://loom.ly/V_-pibg #ConstitutionDay