About the National Archives

Guardianship

James Earl Fraser’s "Guardianship," on the Constitution Avenue side of the building, uses martial symbols, such as the helmet, sword, and lion skin to convey the need to protect the historical record for future generations. This sculpture is inscribed "Eternal Vigilance is the Price of Liberty."

"Guardianship,"
1933-1935
'Guardianship'
Design by James Earl Fraser
Modeled by Sidney B. Waugh
Carved by the Gino A. Ratti Company

National Archives and Records Administration
Records of the National Archives and Records Administration
Record Group 64


Building An Archives Main Page

The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740-6001
Telephone: 1-86-NARA-NARA or 1-866-272-6272