Archivist of the United States

Archivist of the United States
U.S. Government National Archives and Records Administration · Public domain · source
Name	Archivist of the United States
Department	National Archives and Records Administration

Archivist of the United States. The Archivist of the United States is the chief official overseeing the management of National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), which is responsible for preserving and making accessible United States Declaration of Independence, United States Constitution, and other historic documents, such as the Treaty of Paris and the Louisiana Purchase. The Archivist plays a crucial role in maintaining the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C., as well as the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri, and the Federal Records Centers across the United States. The Archivist also collaborates with other institutions, including the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian Institution, and the National Archives Trust Fund Board.

● History of

the Office The office of the Archivist of the United States was established in 1934, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the National Archives Act, which created the National Archives as an independent agency responsible for preserving and making accessible historic documents and records. The first Archivist, Robert Digges Wimberly Connor, was appointed in 1934 and played a key role in establishing the National Archives and developing its collections, including the Papers of George Washington and the Papers of Thomas Jefferson. Over the years, the Archivist has worked closely with other institutions, such as the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), the Society of American Archivists, and the Council of State Archivists, to promote the preservation and accessibility of historic records. The Archivist has also been involved in various initiatives, including the National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program (NDIIPP) and the Electronic Records Archives (ERA) program, which aim to preserve and make accessible digital records, such as those related to the Apollo 11 mission and the Watergate scandal.

● Responsibilities and Duties

The Archivist of the United States is responsible for overseeing the management of National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and ensuring that the agency fulfills its mission to preserve and make accessible historic documents and records. The Archivist works closely with the National Archives and Records Administration's senior staff, including the Deputy Archivist of the United States, to develop and implement policies and programs related to records management, preservation, and access. The Archivist also collaborates with other federal agencies, such as the General Services Administration (GSA), the National Security Agency (NSA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), to ensure that federal records are properly managed and preserved. Additionally, the Archivist serves as a member of the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) and works with other institutions, such as the American Historical Association and the Organization of American Historians, to promote the preservation and accessibility of historic records, including those related to the American Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement.

● List of Archivists

The following individuals have served as Archivist of the United States: Robert Digges Wimberly Connor (1934-1941), Solon Justus Buck (1941-1948), Wayne C. Grover (1948-1965), Robert H. Bahmer (1965-1968), James B. Rhoads (1968-1979), James E. O'Neill (1979-1985), Don W. Wilson (1985-1987), Frank G. Burke (1987-1989), Trudy Huskamp Peterson (1989-1991), Don W. Wilson (1991-1993), John W. Carlin (1993-2001), John W. Carlin (2001-2005), Allen Weinstein (2005-2008), Adrienne C. Thomas (2008-2009), David S. Ferriero (2009-2022), and Colleen Shogan (2022-present). These individuals have played a crucial role in shaping the National Archives and Records Administration and promoting the preservation and accessibility of historic documents and records, including those related to the United States Senate, the United States House of Representatives, and the Supreme Court of the United States.

● Appointment and Tenure

The Archivist of the United States is appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the United States Senate. The Archivist serves a 10-year term, unless removed by the President. The Archivist is responsible for overseeing the management of National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and ensuring that the agency fulfills its mission to preserve and make accessible historic documents and records. The Archivist works closely with the National Archives and Records Administration's senior staff, including the Deputy Archivist of the United States, to develop and implement policies and programs related to records management, preservation, and access. The Archivist also collaborates with other federal agencies, such as the General Services Administration (GSA), the National Security Agency (NSA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), to ensure that federal records are properly managed and preserved, including those related to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

● Organizational Structure

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is an independent agency of the United States federal government and is responsible for preserving and making accessible historic documents and records. The agency is headed by the Archivist of the United States, who is assisted by the Deputy Archivist of the United States and other senior staff. NARA is organized into several units, including the Office of the Archivist, the Office of Records Services, and the Office of Information Services. The agency also has several regional facilities, including the National Archives at New York City, the National Archives at Philadelphia, and the National Archives at Seattle. The Archivist works closely with other institutions, such as the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian Institution, and the National Archives Trust Fund Board, to promote the preservation and accessibility of historic records, including those related to the United States Army, the United States Navy, and the United States Air Force.

● Notable Archivists

Several Archivists of the United States have made significant contributions to the field of archives and records management. Robert Digges Wimberly Connor, the first Archivist, played a key role in establishing the National Archives and developing its collections. Wayne C. Grover, who served as Archivist from 1948 to 1965, oversaw the development of the National Archives Building and the establishment of the National Personnel Records Center. John W. Carlin, who served as Archivist from 1993 to 2005, played a key role in promoting the preservation and accessibility of digital records, including those related to the Internet Archive and the World Wide Web Consortium. Other notable Archivists include David S. Ferriero, who served as Archivist from 2009 to 2022, and Colleen Shogan, who has served as Archivist since 2022, and has worked closely with institutions such as the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).