The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is an independent agency of the United States government charged with overseeing the management, preservation, and accessibility of federal records. Established to ensure that American citizens have access to the records that document the activities of their government, NARA plays a vital role in maintaining transparency, accountability, and historical continuity.
Historical Context
NARA was created in 1934 by the National Archives Act during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration. The establishment of this agency came as a response to the growing need for systematic archiving of federal documents, which were previously managed inconsistently across various government departments.
Key Functions and Responsibilities
NARA’s responsibilities encompass a wide range of activities, including:
- Records Management: Developing guidance and regulations for federal agencies on proper records management to ensure efficient handling of information.
- Preservation: Ensuring the long-term preservation of essential government documents through advanced preservation techniques.
- Access: Facilitating public access to federal records through various platforms and ensuring compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
- Archival Services: Providing expert archival services, including cataloging and digitizing historical documents.
- National Register of Historic Places: Administering this program, which identifies and protects historic and archaeological sites across the U.S.
Structure of NARA
graph LR
A[NARA] --> B[Records Management]
A --> C[Preservation]
A --> D[Public Access]
A --> E[Archival Services]
A --> F[National Register of Historic Places]
Importance and Significance
NARA ensures that essential federal records are preserved for future generations, supporting historical research, legal accountability, and the civic engagement of the American public. By maintaining transparency and providing access to government records, NARA plays a crucial role in upholding democratic values.
Examples and Applicability
Some notable collections and documents managed by NARA include:
- The Declaration of Independence
- The Constitution of the United States
- The Bill of Rights
- Presidential Libraries and Museums, which contain papers and memorabilia of past presidents
Related Terms
- Archivist: A professional responsible for managing, preserving, and making accessible archival materials.
- FOIA (Freedom of Information Act): A law ensuring public access to U.S. government records.
- Historical Preservation: Activities aimed at conserving and protecting historic documents, sites, and artifacts.
Comparisons
NARA vs. Library of Congress:
- NARA focuses primarily on federal records, while the Library of Congress serves as a research library supporting Congress and storing a vast collection of books, recordings, and cultural materials.
Interesting Facts
- NARA holds over 10 billion pages of textual records, 12 million maps and charts, and 40 million photographs.
- The Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom at the National Archives Building houses the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
Inspirational Stories
- The Watergate Scandal: NARA’s role in preserving and providing access to critical documents from the Nixon administration was instrumental in the investigation and eventual resignation of President Nixon.
Famous Quotes
- “Archives are the buildings or rooms where records of historical interest are preserved. Our national memory is housed in NARA.” — David S. Ferriero, Archivist of the United States
Proverbs and Clichés
- “Preserve the past to protect the future.”
- “A nation without archives is a nation without a memory.”
FAQs
How can the public access records held by NARA?
What types of records does NARA preserve?
References
- National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). Retrieved from www.archives.gov
- The National Archives Catalog. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://catalog.archives.gov
- Ferriero, D. S. (n.d.). Remarks on the importance of NARA.
Summary
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is a pivotal institution in the United States that preserves and manages federal records. By maintaining transparency, supporting legal accountability, and fostering historical research, NARA ensures that the American public has access to the government’s documentary heritage, thus upholding democratic principles and promoting an informed society.
