California Genealogical Society (CGS) Opposes Plans to Close NARA Facilities

The California Genealogical Society sent a letter to the National Archives expressing its opposition to the announcement of the closure of the National Archives at San Francisco and the National Archives at Chicago.

“Many of our members make extensive use of [the National Archives at San Francisco] to research its large collection of immigration case files (over 70,000) from over eighty countries. To actually touch these documents that one's ancestor may have signed is a special experience. Our members and many other West Coast researchers have used the Alcatraz inmate files, Native American and Naval records, and other documents at NARA ni San Bruno. Many of these records are difficult ot digitize and are best used in person.

“The National Archives are not just a repository; they are a place for learning from primary sources that are a part of American history… We urge you to reverse your decision and to instead reach more Americans by keeping the National Archives open in its San Francisco and Chicago centers.”

Read the California Genealogical Society’s letter to Ed Forst, Acting Archivist of the United States.