US National Archives

Are you curious about the most-viewed and sought-after documents in the National Archives holdings? Explore our Milestone Documents webpage!

📜Each record includes historical context, a transcript, and Catalog references.
📚For educators, each milestone document includes a link to DocsTeach, an online tool to find teaching activities that incorporate our nation’s records.

Explore here: https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/list

Hawaiian born Colonel Ellison Onizuka was the first Asian American and the first person of Japanese descent to reach space.

Onizuka was tasked with overseeing primary payload operations aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1985. Before joining the crew, he had already logged 1,700 flying hours.

Onizuka also served as a mission specialist on the Orbiter Challenger, which tragically exploded shortly after launch.

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and the National Archives holds a wealth of material documenting the Asian and Pacific Islander experience. View our special topics page to get started: https://www.archives.gov/news/topics/asian-pacific-american-heritage-month

The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum is hosting a free virtual summer camp for K-12 students from June 15, 2026 to August 10, 2026. Students will dive “Beyond the History Books” to learn about President Hoover and the Declaration of Independence in celebration of .

For more details and to RSVP your student or child, see the post below. The deadline for registration is June 5, 2026.⤵️

This summer is the perfect time to journey through time as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence! Join the Hoover Presidential Library and Museum as we explore the life and times of President Hoover, the Declaration of Independence, and his Presidential friends in “Beyond the History Books” virtual summer camp. This virtual summer camp is FREE and open to all K-12 students. If you have a student who likes to explore history while engaging in hands-on STEAM activities and earning prizes, please complete the registration link below!
https://bit.ly/BeyondHistoryBooks

UV light, you’ve been officially called out! 😤🚫
Our annual poem returns to throw some shade (literally) on one of the biggest threats to your photos and papers: extended exposure to light.

Swipe to read our best tips over the years ➡️

On Monday, May 25, our nation observes Memorial Day in honor of the military personnel who gave their lives in service to the United States.

The National Archives holds a wealth of material documenting Memorial Day and honoring those who have served in all branches of the United States military. Learn more: https://www.archives.gov/news/topics/memorial-day

"Houfe" or "House"? The “long s” is seen in many of our historical documents in the 18th century, including the Bill of Rights!

Can you spot the difference? 🔍

The National Archives Foundation is kicking of their Spirit of Independence Festival from June 4-6, 2026 in front of the National Archives Museum! You can come to a variety of FREE events—all in celebration of . Learn more below ⬇️🇺🇸

Announcing the Spirit of Independence Festival, a three-day celebration of the 250th at the home of the Declaration of Independence. Join us in our tent on Constitution Avenue from June 4 through 6 for a jam-packed lineup of events, activations, and parties that honor and celebrate American culture, history, military service, and more! Grab your tickets: https://archivesfoundation.org/spirit-of-independence-festival/

National Archives research rooms will be closed on Friday, May 15, 2026 for In-Service Day. Regular hours will resume on Monday, May 18.