Whither the National Archives?

Most people know where the Brave Astronaut punches his time card everyday. The National Archives has been in the news a fair amount lately. The Archivist of the United States, Allen Weinstein, announced his resignation in December 2008. Later, in January 2009, at the time of the Obama inauguration, it was noted (also here) that the Bush administration web presence had been replaced (as was expected), but that the Bush websites may not have been "archived" appropriately. There has even been calls from some to investigate NARA and our practices. Some of these black marks have come as the National Archives prepares to celebrate its 75th Anniversary this year.

But unfortunately today, it has all seemingly come to an end. I have learned the National Archives will close its doors due to the recent downturn in the economy. No more records will be taken into the holdings of the archives, the repositories were close to being full anyway. Some of the holdings will be sent back to where they came from. Those items that are deemed to have significant historical value will be auctioned off to try and meet the extraordinary deficits the National Archives has incurred.

The Charters of Freedom will still be available for viewing, however. Special viewing booths will be constructed allowing people access, where they can place a dollar in a slot. Then a curtain will raise up to allow viewing of the documents for a limited time. This will ensure their continued survival as repeated exposure to light was limiting their lifespan anyway.

Despite recently raising reproduction fees for researchers, additional revenue generating ideas will be instituted. If researchers wish to view any documents, they can make use of the viewing booths described above. Also, some staff may be used, wherein the documents will be held up to the glass at the Archives building for people to copy down the information.

A bake sale will be held today only, with proceeds to go to the purchase of apples, bread, and soup. Lines will form outside the public entrances to the National Archives Building.

In order to get this project underway, an extensive search was conducted for any and all correspondence with the date of April 1. All of that correspondence was then stamped with the words "April Fools" on it and placed on immediate display for today only.