National Archives Announces New Web Site Design
Press Release · Tuesday, June 4, 2002
Washington, DC
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) launched its web site www.archives.gov on Friday, May 31, 2002, with a dynamic, new look. NARA's former web site, www.nara.gov, has been merged with www.archives.gov to form a site that provides online visitors with dramatic improvements in navigation, uniformity, appearance, and accessibility to users with disabilities.
With an eye-catching image of the National Archives Rotunda, the new impact page introduces visitors to the National Archives. The online visitor has immediate access to the web site's major topic areas that allow browsing and searching through information about Federal Government records, services provided by the National Archives, and online presentations of exhibits including the Charters of Freedom: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
Enhancements to the web site include:
- Improved Navigation - Web pages work in intuitive and consistent ways, making it easier for visitors to find what they are looking for and know where they are within the web site.
- Improved Look and Feel - Enhanced graphics and the new page layouts provide visitors with an improved user experience.
- New Features - New features on the web site include print-friendly versions of the web pages, news and events notices, a drop-down box providing direct access to web pages, a site index, and an FAQ page.
- Improved Accessibility - The new web site is designed to improve accessibility for people with visual, auditory, or motor impairments. The web site is designed so that its content will be available to persons with disabilities who use assistive software to navigate the World Wide Web.
While the appearance and high-level organization of the web site are enhanced, the information located on the original web site is available via the new address. Existing bookmarks will be redirected to the new home page or the exact location of the new page.
The National Archives Rotunda is temporarily closed and the Charters of Freedom are off public display. www.archives.gov will offer visitors a virtual tour of the Charters, information on the project to re-encase the Charters, and updates on the National Archives Building renovation.
For additional PRESS information, please contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at (301) 837-1700 or by e-mail. Visit the National Archives Home Page on the World Wide Web at http://www.archives.gov.
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This page was last reviewed on August 16, 2018.
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