Maps and charts have always played an important role in the planning and execution of military operations. Military maps, nautical charts, and fortification plans form a significant part of the holdings in the Cartographic Branch. Among these records include a recently digitized series of World War II Records from the Adjutant General’s Office of the War Department (Record Group 407). These records are available to view and download from the National Archives Catalog.
This series consists of maps and charts, overlays, city plans, aerial photographs, photomaps, pencil sketches, and architectural drawings relating to the European, Mediterranean, and Pacific theaters of war during World War II. The records were prepared by Allied armies, corps, divisions, and subordinate engineer components and collected by the Adjutant General’s Office. Typical records found in this series include terrain studies, maps showing defenses, maps relating to military operations, maps showing engineer activities, maps showing roads and bridges, and maps showing administrative boundaries.
Learn more about these records from Amanda Pritchard at the National Archives Cartographic Branch, on the Unwritten Record blog: World War II Records Digitized.
On June 19, 1865, U.S. Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3, which informed the people of Texas that all enslaved people were now free. This day has come to be known as Juneteenth, a combination of June and 19th. It is is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.
See the Emancipation Proclamation and General Order No. 3 in person
From June 18 to 20, 2022, the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC will display the original Emancipation Proclamation and General Order No. 3. Timed ticket entry is available but not required. Reserve a ticket at recreation.gov. The Museum will be open for special extended hours of 10 a.m.–7 p.m. for the Juneteenth weekend, June 18, 19, and 20.
Happy Pride Month! The National Archives holds extensive records created or received by the U.S. Government on issues of sexual identity and rights. NARA records constitute a rich documentary history of the experience of LGBTQ+ individuals. Visit National Archives News to browse these holdings and resources.
The White House is lit with the colors of the rainbow in celebration of the Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage, June 26, 2015. National Archives Identifier 176549838
Looking for records documenting the LGBTQ+ experience? See History Hub for answers to questions such as:
Since 2006, June has been designated as Caribbean American Heritage Month by Presidential Proclamation. The month-long observance promotes the rich culture and heritage of the Caribbean American people and their contribution to the United States of America.
The National Archives has a wide variety of records relating to Caribbean Americans and their history. Explore these records through the National Archives Catalog and additional resources on archives.gov
Street Scene in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. American Unofficial Collection of World War I Photographs, 1917 - 1918. National Archives Identifier 45545527
See History Hub’s Genealogy Community for answers to questions about Caribbean heritage, such as:
Bureau of Indian Affairs School Newspapers 1960-1970
Help us transcribe school newspapers from Bureau of Indian Affairs schools throughout Alaska. The newspapers include news about school activities such as sports; dances; special projects by different classes; and programs including plays, 4-H club events, and student council affairs. You should not try to recreate the layout of the newspaper, just capture the text in a logical fashion.Every word you transcribe helps to make these records more searchable and accessible online. Get started transcribing!
Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, 1793 - 1999, Newspapers, 1960 - 1970, Newhaven thru Nunupitchuk. National Archives Identifier 72036898 page 3
