Unated States Government Archive Facilities
The Federal Archives exhibition, an exciting, multimedia, and interactive journey of discovery, is now open to the public. This engaging event takes place within an exhibition cube and offers a unique opportunity to delve into the history of a living archive.
The exhibition, which has been shown at 25 locations, is focused on the "memory of society." A 20-minute introductory film provides a captivating glimpse into the activities of the Federal Archives, while the main content of the exhibition is designed to arouse curiosity about its compelling contents through skillful visual language and engaging storytelling.
Public access to family records in the Federal Archives (NARA) is governed by privacy rules and legal restrictions, affecting who can view which files. Many genealogical records like census data are available at NARA, both in-person and online via the National Archives Catalog. Privacy restrictions limit access to personal data for 72 years after collection, so the latest publicly available census is the 1950 census; newer censuses remain restricted until 72 years elapse.
Some records, including naturalization and vital records that contain sensitive personal information, are not openly available to the public. Access to these restricted files requires a verifiable relationship to the subject or a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. Genealogists and family historians are the primary users of these records, and NARA offers support such as annual free Genealogy Fairs to help with research.
To find specific records, you can search the National Archives Catalog online or request access directly at NARA facilities. Some genealogical databases like Ancestry Library Edition can be accessed on-site at libraries and provide extensive family history resources, though these often require an in-library connection or subscription.
The digitization of historical sources is slowed by the volume of records, privacy concerns, and limited resources. Many collections remain undigitized due to these factors, but NARA plans eventually to make all digitized sources freely accessible through its catalog. However, some records may remain unavailable or delayed for privacy and legal reasons.
The Federal Archives exhibition also features iconic documents of German history, as well as interviews with Federal Archives employees. Unfortunately, the current exhibition does not seem to feature interviews with Federal Archives employees, as mentioned earlier.
Visitors to the exhibition can enjoy a variety of engaging activities, including quiz and puzzle offerings, although it is not specified whether these are part of the current exhibition. The exhibition hours are from 10 am to 6 pm, and it is open from Tuesday through Sunday, as well as on October 3, 2022.
For those interested in learning more about accessing federal records, the Know Your Records program by NARA offers educational resources and free genealogy events broadcast online. This programme aims to guide researchers on accessing federal records effectively.
The Federal Archives exhibition is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, genealogy, or the preservation of our collective memory. So, come and immerse yourself in this captivating journey through time and memory!
[1] National Archives, (2022). Accessing Federal Records. Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/getting-started [2] Ancestry Library Edition. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ancestry.com/library/ [3] FamilySearch. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.familysearch.org/ [4] FindMyPast. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.findmypast.co.uk/ [5] National Archives, (2022). Know Your Records. Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/know-your-records
