File under good news: NARA added 218,028 A-Files to the catalog this month! These files were previously the custody of the USCIS Genealogy Program. Consult the NARA info page to learn more about A-Files and how to obtain copies www.archives.gov/research/imm...

Shutdown or not, federal funding decisions being made in Congress will impact the USA's record keeping for decades to come. substack.com/home/post/p-...

Looking for a Sunday read? I have one for you: substack.com/inbox/post/1...

For their first project, my Kids and Society students have to create an infographic clarifying a common misconception about "kids these days." I'd prefer that they not use AI to create their projects, so I made my own infographic explaining why : )

Things happening outside of the spotlight are important, too. substack.com/home/post/p-...

What is the city but the people?

This is not only a serious issue for historians and not only a serious issue for academics (although it is that). It's a development that's also deleterious for the GLAM sector, for example, and part of a much larger trend nationally and internationally to restrict and dismantle access to archives.

I've seen this on Bluesky and had to try it myself. The image below was the response to the prompt: "Show me a diagram of the US presidents since Herbert Hoover, with their names and years in office under their photos" Bravo, OpenAI, bravo.

Sometimes there is good news on Fridays. The DC Council restored full funding for the DC Archives Project at UDC in FY 2026 Budget. Thanks to all the organizations and individuals who spoke out and spoke up for the importance of access to DC records. dcarchivesadvocates.substack.com/p/you-saved-...

Erasing history by defunding #archives www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/...

Trump's Assault on the NPS is Not a Disagreement Over History. It is an Attack on History Itself. #NationalParks open.substack.com/pub/kevinmle...

Today the House Appropriations Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee slashed an additional $4million from the National Archives's already meager budget for FY26.

NARA removed the banner and all the changes to the wording online. Now please use all this energy and fight the massive funding cuts for NARA, because that will do more damage than we can ever imagine.

Just imagine if everyone freaked out about funding cuts for NARA like they are about this message...

Meanwhile, scroll down on the A2 page and learn they took away our parking. www.archives.gov/college-park

Write to NARA and ask them to explain. [email protected] and other addresses at www.archives.gov/about/organi...

🚨🚨"Effective July 7, 2025, the National Archives at College Park, MD, will become a restricted-access federal facility with access only for visitors with a legitimate business need. It will no longer be open to the general public."

Without the new DC State Archives building, there's no access for DC records, and the amazing and unique historical records will remain out of reach. Speak up, DC!

Reposting for the morning crowd - cuts to NARA staff.

NARA RIFs starting today. NARA claims 3% cut in workforce but their math is wrong. It's more like 14%.

Welcome to the archives.

Washington State announces closure of the state research library and talking book & braille library, thanks to a $6.7 million shortfall in the state budget. #genealogy #history

The @apgenealogists.bsky.social calls on calls on the DC Council and Mayor Bowser to work together to reinstate funding for the DC State Archives Building on the University of DC's campus. #Genealogy

It's Friday night, and the NARA FY26 budget drops - the cuts are not as steep as some anticipated. I'm focused on the change of language to the mission statement and vision.

Mayor Bowser’s proposed 2026 budget completely eliminates the new DC State Archives building at UDC. This last minute, irresponsible decision, which was made in secret without any input from experts or the community, erases a decade of grueling work.

Re-upping for the Monday crowd - Swedish archives research experience? Please get in touch!

Seeking #refugee or #migration researcher/scholar with experience working in Swedish archives. Please offer names, contact details here or DM. Thank you!

The AHA is compiling resources developed by historians in response to recent actions by the federal governments. We welcome submissions from our members about op-eds, media appearances, or other resources they've contributed offering historical context and insight to the public. 🗃️

Unhappy to confirm that the entire Historical Advisory Committee at the State Department received termination notices this afternoon (myself included). The HAC, set up by Congress, oversees the office that produces the FRUS series. history.state.gov/about/hac/in... 1/

This summary captures what is happening to IMLS and NEH, and what different organizations are doing to fight back. If you want to help fight, check to see what your organization is doing and share this information. 👇🏻

4 April 2025 marked the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Ohrdruf, a forced labor camp near Gotha, Germany. The 89th Infantry Division and the 4th Armored Division are recognized as the liberating forces. My great-uncle, with the 89th, arrived at Ohrdruf in the rain, at 1600 on 6 April 1945.

The National Archives added 31,841 A-files to the catalog in March! catalog.archives.gov/id/4488912 Included in this transfer are more than 1,000 individuals born in 1925, as their files have eclipsed the 100 year mark.

This is a great thread that shouldn't have to exist at all.

Agencies and departments create records. The Federal Records Act governs what happens to the records. Many go to storage, or eventually to the National Archives. NARA functions as the bedrock of our democracy.

Yes! Documenting the history of now. wapo.st/4cdjRFQ (Gift link)

Local libraries are hubs for genealogy research. Many genealogical societies co-locate with libraries; or meet in their spaces; or store their records in libraries for public use. Genealogists need to speak up and speak out for libraries. #Genealogy

The AHA encourages historians to contact their representatives to protest the recent attack on the Institute for Museum & Library Services. The IMLS provides essential funding to libraries & museums in all 50 states and US territories. Read our action alert to learn how to support the IMLS. 🗃️

Indiana's HB 1148 could expand birth record restrictions from 75 to 99 years, making it one of the most restrictive states. It’s passed the House and heads to the Senate. Our work relies on record access—let’s fight to keep it! Learn more & take action: bit.ly/3DF53CZ

So it turns out one of the soldiers I researched for a posthumous Medal of Honor (Henry Johnson, WWI) is part of this scrubbing. taskandpurpose.com/news/arlingt...

Excellent explainer on how the CR takes away DC's money - not money given to DC by Congress.

700,000 of us are counting on the rest of America to move the votes to NO.

I don’t think enough attention has been put on how services for DC residents are going to be destroyed they have to find 1$ billion dollars in their budgets from schools, police, fire, parks etc

Without the Federal Records Act there will be no records. fundnara.com/preserving-f...

The Continuing Resolution (CR) is a complex piece of legislation - it isn't a "clean" bill - and because it is "full-year" it triggers Sequestration. Put simply, the number isn't the number you think it is - more cuts will happen, led by OMB. Some charts help untangle the mess:

The CR is out - I've yet to see any coverage that notes the NHPRC program is zeroed out. The what, you ask? www.archives.gov/nhprc/projec...

Do you research Chinese American genealogy? I just got a sneak peek of some of Tammy's data analysis and her cool slides - you don't want to miss her talk - or any of the other experts!