The National Archives of the United States

by Herman J. Viola, David McCullough (Introduction)

The National Archives of the United States is marking its fiftieth anniversary this year, and this volume is celebrating the event. Few Americans have not left some trace in government records, and for anyone tracing his family roots, The National Archives is the place to look. Indeed, the range of material contained in the Archives is immense. Of course, unique original documents like the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights are enshrined here, along with the Louisiana Purchase treaty, Lincoln's Emancipation, and the Homestead Act. So are presidential campaign buttons, illustrated family bibles, the passenger list for the Lusitania's final voyage, patent drawings, and almost every government document of importance. The fascinating text for this new volume is written by Herman J. Viola, director of the National Anthropological Archives. He is the author of several books and many articles in the field of American history. Viola is the perfect guide to the Archives, expertly leading us through our nation's history with facts, figures, and anecdotes. Stunning pictures—106 in full color—were created especially for this book, illustrating the objects and documents discussed in the text. This volume, which includes a bibliography and an index, will be treasured by those who visit the Archive and by those who delight in discovering America's story. The National Archives' extraordinary collection—our official history—is a collection that truly belongs to us all.

50th Anniversary volume.

Genres: History, American History

282 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1984

About the author

Dr. Herman J. Viola is a curator emeritus at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. A specialist on the history of the American West, he served as director of the Museum's National Anthropological Archives in addition to organizing two major exhibitions for the Smithsonian. "Magnificent Voyagers" told the story of the United State Exploring Expedition of 1838-42, and "Seeds of Change" examined the exchange of plants, animals, and diseases between the Old and the New Worlds as a result of the Christopher Columbus voyages of discovery.

Prior to joining the staff of the Smithsonian Institution in 1972, he was an archivist at the National Archives of the United States, where he launched and was first editor of Prologue: The Journal of the National Archives.

Dr. Viola's research specialties include the American Indian, the Civil War, and the exploration of the American West. He has authored numerous books on these topics, including Exploring the West, After Columbus, Warrior Artists, and The North American Indians. He is also the author of the middle school social studies textbook, Why We Remember.

His most recent book, Little Bighorn Remembered: the Untold Indian Story of Custer's Last Stand, was selected by both Book of the Month Club and the Quality Paperback Club, and was a primary selection of the History Club.

Dr. Viola received his B.A. and M.A. from Marquette University, and his Ph.D. from Indiana University/Bloomington. He has an honorary doctor degree from Wittingberg University, Springfield, Ohio.

Dr. Viola and his wife, Susan, have three sons. They are residents of Falls Church, Virginia, and Bozman, Maryland.

Reviews

[Belle Meade School]

027.573

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I didn't read every single word, I found this book to be very interesting and informative.

[Cws]

RefYA2

[Gayle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting history book.