About the National Archives

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About the National Archives

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is the nation's record keeper. Of all documents and materials created in the course of business conducted by the United States Federal government, only 1%-3% are so important for legal or historical reasons that they are kept by us forever.

Those valuable records are preserved and are available to you, whether you want to see if they contain clues about your family’s history, need to prove a veteran’s military service, or are researching an historical topic that interests you. Learn more

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Spotlight on National Archives History

Find out about defining moments in the agency's history through the decades with photo galleries, personal stories, and notices of special events throughout the nation. Go

Prologue: NARA's Quarterly Magazine

Current Issue:

Prologue magazine brings readers stories based on the rich holdings and programs of the National Archives across the nation—from Washington, DC, to the regional archives and the Presidential libraries.

Order Prologue now!

Fall 2009 Highlights:

Face to Face with History
A rare photograph of an African American Union surgeon is discovered among the pension records in the Natinal Archives.

"I Wish to Acknowledge"
Over the years many archivists have helped Pulitzer Prize–winning authors, and less prolific writers research their works. Learn the stories behind the books.