National Archives

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) serves as the nation’s official record keeper, responsible for preserving and providing access to the permanently valuable records of the United States government. It manages a vast collection that includes textual documents, photographs, maps, moving images, sound recordings, and increasingly, electronic records generated by federal agencies. NARA makes these holdings available to researchers, scholars, genealogists, and the general public through its research rooms, online catalog, and digitization initiatives. The agency also oversees the publication of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations, which are essential tools for understanding federal rules and regulations. In addition, NARA administers the Presidential Library system, preserving the papers and artifacts of former presidents for public study and exhibition.

The organization’s headquarters is located in Washington, D.C., with a major campus at College Park, Maryland, that houses extensive archival storage and research facilities. NARA operates a network of regional archives and federal records centers across the country, enabling it to serve the records management needs of federal agencies located throughout the United States. These facilities provide storage, reference, and preservation services for both permanent and temporary government records. The agency’s reach extends to specialized centers that focus on areas such as audiovisual materials, electronic records, and military service files. Through this nationwide footprint, NARA ensures that federal records are accessible wherever they are needed while maintaining consistent standards for preservation and access.

NARA’s distinguishing attributes include its status as an independent agency within the executive branch, led by the Archivist of the United States, who is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. It carries a regulatory role by issuing records management standards that federal agencies must follow to ensure proper creation, maintenance, and disposition of records. The agency also oversees the National Historical Publications and Records Commission, which grants funding to support archival activities nationwide. NARA is the custodian of the Charters of Freedom—the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights—displayed in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building. Its mission emphasizes transparency, accountability, and the continuity of government by safeguarding the evidence of national rights and actions.

Structurally, NARA operates as an independent agency without a parent organization or subsidiary structure, reporting directly to the President through the Archivist. It receives annual appropriations from Congress to fund its operations, staff, and facility maintenance. The agency collaborates with other federal entities, state and local governments, and international partners to promote best practices in archival science and records management. NARA’s workforce comprises archivists, conservators, records managers, IT specialists, and public outreach professionals who collectively uphold its mandate. By preserving the documentary heritage of the United States, the National Archives ensures that future generations can study and learn from the nation’s historical record.