Today’s post comes from blogger Christopher Zarr, education specialist at the National Archives at New York City.
The National Archives and the National Park Service have a lot in common.
We preserve the records of our Government so that all people can discover, use, and learn from these documents. They preserve the natural and cultural resources for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of everyone.
We protect over 12 billion records in 44 facilities across the country where each year millions of people explore exhibits, attend programs, and research our documents. They preserve 84 million acres in nearly 400 national parks, monuments and memorials for millions of visitors each year.
We even focus on a lot of the same stories about our past. For example, whether you are exploring Independence Hall in Philadelphia or looking at the actual Declaration of Independence in the National Archives, you are transported back to July 4, 1776.
And now, the National Archives and the National Park Service can add one more thing in common—the Learning Center at the National Archives at New York City.
Let me explain.
The National Park Service’s Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island have been closed since October due to damage sustained by Hurricane Sandy. Repairs to the islands are ongoing, but it may be months before the public can visit these sites again.
So, that’s why the National Archives at New York City stepped in to assist our long-time partner. Every Wednesday afternoon, park rangers will be in our Learning Center showing films, answering questions, and sharing stories about the past of these historic places.
In addition, visitors to the Learning Center can explore facsimiles of documents, photographs, posters, and films about the National Park Service from the holdings of the National Archives. These documents include the Deed of Gift for the Statue of Liberty, photographs of the construction of Ellis Island, and the passenger arrival record of Annie Moore–the first person processed at Ellis Island.
And with our long-time partners just down the hall every Wednesday, who knows what other collaborations may pop up from time to time. So, stay tuned for more!
This partner program between the National Archives and the National Park Service will occur every Wednesday from 1:00 to 4:00 the 3rd Floor Learning Center of the National Archives at New York City at One Bowling Green. No reservations are required. Visit www.archives.gov/nyc to find out more details.
The records in this post are:
The Statue of Liberty, 07/04/1986, from the Records of the Office of the Secretary of Defense
Photograph of the U.S. Immigrant Building at Ellis Island, 01/11/1900, from the Records of the National Park Service
Ellis Island, New York, ca. 1910, from the Records of the Public Health Service
Deed of Gift for the Statue of Liberty, 07/15/1884?, from the General Records of the Department of State
Find these and more related to the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island on DocsTeach.org.