National Archives and Records Administration

The National Archives serves as the official repository of America's documentary heritage, preserving and providing access to federal government records spanning over two centuries. Established in 1934, NARA maintains approximately 17.5 billion pages of textual records, along with millions of photographs, maps, films, and electronic records across its nationwide network of facilities.

The main National Archives Building, located at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., houses the most historically significant documents including the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. This iconic building attracts over 700,000 visitors annually to its Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom exhibit, one of the most visited attractions in the nation's capital.

NARA operates 13 presidential libraries across the United States, each preserving the records and legacy of individual presidencies from Herbert Hoover through Joe Biden. These facilities collectively hold over 600 million pages of documents and manage millions of hours of audiovisual materials. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston, for example, houses 5 million pages and serves as a research center attracting scholars from around the world.

Beyond Washington, D.C., NARA maintains 17 regional archives facilities strategically located throughout the country, from the New England Archives in Waltham, Massachusetts, to the Pacific Alaska Archives in Seattle, Washington. These regional centers provide public access to federal records created by local federal agencies, courthouses, and field offices, making genealogical research and historical documentation accessible without requiring travel to the capital.

The agency oversees Records Management Services that help federal agencies organize, preserve, and dispose of records in compliance with federal law. NARA also operates the National Declassification Center, which has reviewed and declassified over 780 million pages of documents, making classified Cold War-era records available to the public through the Freedom of Information Act process.

Archives serve critical functions beyond historical preservation. Federal agencies rely on NARA's Electronic Records Archives system to manage digital documents and ensure continuity during transitions. The agency's Catalog database contains over 45 million records descriptions, accessible online, allowing researchers to discover materials before visiting in person.

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The National Archives Building at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW operates from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. General admission is free for all visitors. The famous Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, displaying the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights, requires no advance reservation and accommodates walk-in visitors throughout operating hours.

NARA administers 13 presidential libraries representing every presidency from Herbert Hoover through Joe Biden. These libraries collectively house over 600 million pages of documents and serve as both museums and research centers. Notable facilities include the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library in Hyde Park, New York, which draws 200,000+ visitors annually, and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, which maintains 55 million pages and 7 million photographs.

NARA's 17 regional archives facilities provide access to genealogical records including federal census data, military discharge papers, and immigrant ship passenger lists. The Northeast Archives in Waltham, Massachusetts serves Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The Southeast Archives in Atlanta, Georgia covers Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Each facility maintains specialized collections relevant to their regional jurisdiction.

The National Archives Catalog at catalog.archives.gov contains descriptions of over 45 million records. Users can search by topic, location, date range, and record type. The database includes finding aids that help researchers identify relevant materials before requesting copies or visiting in person. Digital copies of many high-demand records like census schedules and World War II documents are available for immediate download.

NARA's National Declassification Center has processed over 780 million pages of classified documents, with declassified materials available through Freedom of Information Act requests. The process typically requires submitting a written request identifying the specific records needed. NARA processes requests by priority level, with standard requests receiving responses within 20 business days when records are readily available. Expedited processing is available for time-sensitive requests meeting established criteria.

Regional archives typically operate Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with limited Saturday hours at select locations. For example, the Rocky Mountain Archives in Denver, Colorado maintains Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Research rooms may require advance appointment booking for documents stored off-site. Contact your nearest regional facility directly to confirm current hours and any COVID-related access restrictions.