National Archives Day

A person carefully flipping through a stack of old documents in a dimly lit, vintage library setting. — National archives day illustration

Welcome to National Archives Day, where we dive into the fascinating world of digitized documents and dusty old records! This special day is all about appreciating and celebrating the invaluable work of our national archives. So grab your magnifying glass and prepare to uncover some historical gems!

When is Archives Day?

It's national archives day on the 23rd January.

The Internet and National Archives: Allies in History

Did you know that the internet has played a significant role in revolutionizing the accessibility of national archives? Gone are the days of tedious manual searches through stacks of paper. Nowadays, with just a few clicks, you can access digitized versions of historical documents from the comfort of your own home.

With the advent of the internet, national archives worldwide have embraced the digital revolution. They have painstakingly scanned and uploaded countless records, photographs, maps, and manuscripts, making historical treasures available to anyone with an internet connection.

Researchers, history enthusiasts, and even the casually curious can now explore the annals of the past with ease. Want to examine a presidential proclamation from the 1800s or glimpse a love letter written by a famous poet? The internet brings these treasures to your fingertips.

The Birth of National Archives Day

To honor the remarkable work done by archivists and the vital role national archives play, National Archives Day was established. The origins of this day can be traced back to a group of passionate historians and archivists who recognized the need to raise awareness about the importance of preserving our shared history.

On National Archives Day, institutions around the world organize various activities, exhibitions, and workshops to showcase the rich archival collections they hold. From themed exhibitions on significant eras to workshops on archival research techniques, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

If you're lucky enough to visit a national archive on this special day, you might have the chance to take guided tours, attend lectures by experts, or even witness the unveiling of newly discovered historical artifacts.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the world's largest national archives are located in the United States? The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) houses an astonishing collection of documents and records, including the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. It's like a treasure trove of American history!

History behind the term 'Archives'

2600 BC

Ancient Clay Tablets

Archives can trace its origins back to Sumer, the cradle of civilization, around 2600 BC. Sumerians used clay tablets as a medium to store important information, such as legal records, administrative documents, and religious texts. These clay tablets were then stored in rooms called 'archives,' which were designated places for record-keeping.

6th Century BC

Library of Ashurbanipal

In the 6th century BC, the great Assyrian king, Ashurbanipal, established what is considered the first systematic library in history. Located in the ancient city of Nineveh (now modern-day Iraq), the Library of Ashurbanipal housed over 30,000 clay tablets on various subjects. These collections of tablets served as an early form of archives, preserving knowledge and historical records for future generations.

1450s

The Printing Press

The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 1450s revolutionized the spread of information. It enabled the mass production of books, pamphlets, and other printed materials, contributing to the growth of archives. With more written materials being produced, the need for organized archival systems became even more crucial to preserve and categorize these records.

1790

The United States National Archives

In 1790, the United States government established the Office of the Secretary of State and the Office of the Adjutant General, which played significant roles in the creation and management of archives. However, it wasn't until 1934 that the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) was formally established, centralizing the preservation of important records and documents of historical significance.

1948

International Council on Archives

Recognizing the need for international cooperation in the field of archives, the International Council on Archives (ICA) was founded in 1948. The ICA aims to promote the development of archival science and the exchange of information among archivists worldwide. It provides guidelines, best practices, and standards for archival institutions, ensuring the preservation and accessibility of records across different countries and cultures.