Special Topics Pages
50th anniversary of Apollo 8Fifty years ago, Apollo 8 became the the first manned spaceflight to leave the Earth’s orbit. Ignited by rumors of a possible Soviet manned lunar mission, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) launched Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and Bill Anders into space on December 21, 1968. The men became the first humans to enter lunar orbit.
On October 3, 1789, President George Washington issued a proclamation naming Thursday, November 26, 1789 as an official holiday of "sincere and humble thanks." The nation then celebrated its first Thanksgiving under its new Constitution. On October 3, 1863, President Lincoln made the traditional Thanksgiving celebration a nationwide holiday to be commemorated each year on the fourth Thursday of November.
Veterans DayEach year, we acknowledge the work done and sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform. The National Archives and Records Administration is proud to serve veterans and their families, especially through our work at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, MO. We are also proud to include many veterans among our staff.
World War I CentennialAs the largest repository of American World War I records, the National Archives invites you to browse the wealth of records and information documenting the U.S. experience in this conflict.
Native American Heritage Month
The National Archives holds extensive records created or received by the U.S. Government relating to Native Americans. We not only hold these records, we provide access to them.
Each year in October we celebrate American Archives Month to raise awareness about the value of archives and archivists.
Celebrating Constitution DaySeptember 17 is designated as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. Learn more about the U.S. Constitution through our public programs, family activities, and online resources.
Hispanic Heritage MonthWe celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic-American champions who have inspired others to achieve success.
Labor DayThe National Archives holds extensive records created or received by the U.S. Government on issues of labor and labor rights.
National Archives Works to Release Records Related to Judge Kavanaugh
Each time a candidate is nominated to the Supreme Court by the President, the staff at the National Archives and Records Adminsitration immediately begin the task of reviewing and releasing records related to that nominee.
National Archives Records Related to Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh
The mission of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is to provide access to the permanent records of the Federal government, which include Presidential records from NARA’s Presidential Libraries.
Join us on July 4 as we celebrate our nation's birthday! Find out about events in Washington, DC, and at Presidential libraries. Learn more about the Declaration of Independence, which is on permanent display in the National Archives Building.
1968: A Year of Turmoil and Change
1968 was a turning point in U.S. history, a year of triumphs and tragedies, social and political upheavals, that forever changed our country. In the air, America reached new heights with NASA’s Apollo 8 orbiting the moon and Boeing’s 747 jumbo jet’s first flight.
Memorial Day: A CommemorationMemorial Day, initially referred to as Decoration Day was observed by many communities since the Civil War when the nation lost an estimated 620,000 casualties, roughly 2 percent of the total population at the time.
Holocaust Remembrance DayThe National Archives holds and provides access to millions of records created or received by the U.S. Government during and after World War II that document Nazi war crimes, wartime refugee issues, and activities and investigations of U.S. Government agencies.
Celebrate the 100th Birthday of Betty Ford
In 2018, the National Archives celebrates the 100th anniversary of the birth of Elizabeth Anne "Betty" Ford.
America’s Favorite Pastime: Baseball at the Archives
As the 2018 Major League Baseball season kicks off, the National Archives celebrates America's favorite pasttime. Baseball has played a major role throughout American history.
TaxesWhile the National Archives does not collect or hold IRS tax forms or returns for individuals or entities, it does hold a wealth of material about taxes.
Vietnam's Tet Offensive: 50 Years Later
This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Tet Offensive, one of the largest military campaigns and a turning point of the Vietnam War.
Women's History The National Archives celebrates Women’s History Month, recognizing the great contributions that women have made to our nation. Learn about the history of women in the United States by exploring their stories through letters, photographs, film, and other primary sources.
Washington's BirthdayOn the third Monday in February, we honor our first President, George Washington, whose birthday is February 22. We also traditionally honor President Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday is February 12.
Winter OlympicsThe first Winter Olympics was held in Chamonix, France in 1924. The original five sports (broken into nine disciplines) were bobsleigh, curling, ice hockey, Nordic skiing, and skating.
Emancipation ProclamationAlthough the Emancipation Proclamation did not end slavery in the nation, it captured the hearts of Americans transforming the character of the Civil War.
African American HistoryThe National Archives holds a wealth of material documenting the African American experience, and highlights these resources online, in programs, and through traditional and social media.
Remembering Pearl HarborEach year, we acknowledge the work done and sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform. On this date, our country remembers and reflects more than 75 years later on the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941.
Celebrating the Bill of Rights
December 15 is designated as Bill of Rights Day to commemorate the ratification of the document on December 15, 1791.
Remembering VietnamThis exhibition presents both iconic and recently discovered National Archives records related to 12 critical episodes in the Vietnam War.
Vietnam WarThe National Archives has a wealth of records and information documenting the U.S. experience in the Vietnam conflict. These include photographs, textual and electronic records, audiovisual recordings, exhibits, educational resources, articles, blog posts, lectures, and events.
Solar Eclipses: Past and Present
The National Archives’ holdings contain a variety of interesting records related to previous solar eclipses. Visitors can see these in our catalog, and they can also stop by the National Archives in Washington, DC.
Amelia Earhart Records at the National Archives
Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan disappeared during their attempt at a round-the-world flight in July 1937. The National Archives contains records relating to the proposed flight and the search for their airplane.
LGBT Pride MonthThe National Archives holds extensive records created or received by the U.S. Government on issues of sexual identity and rights. We not only hold these records, we provide access to them.
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The National Archives holds a wealth of material documenting the Asian and Pacific Islanders experience, and highlights these resources online, in programs, and through traditional and social media.
Public Service Recognition Week
The first full week of May has been set aside as Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) to honor the men and women who serve our nation as Federal, state, county, and local government employees.
To honor the 100th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s birth, 10 cultural institutions across Washington, DC, and Boston are partnering to mark the centennial of our 35th President.
Japanese American InternmentTo commemorate the 75th Anniversary of FDR’s Executive Order 9066 that interned Japanese Americans during World War II, the National Archives makes available its extensive related holdings including photos, videos, and records that chronicle this chapter in American history.
Presidential InaugurationsOn January 20 every four years, the President of the United States takes the oath of office. The inauguration usually takes place at the United States Capitol and includes a ceremonial program and a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House.
Every four years, on the first Tuesday (after the first Monday) of November, we cast our votes for the next President of the United States. The National Archives and Records Administration has a unique role in the election process: NARA’s Office of the Federal Register administers the Electoral College.