Organization of American Historians (OAH) Sends Letter of Concern
The Organization of American Historians (OAH) has written to Acting Archivist of the United States Edward Forst urging the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) to reconsider its decision to close the National Archives and Federal Records Center facilities in Chicago and San Bruno. The letter outlines the importance of regional archives and federal record centers, the irreplaceable collections at both sites, the potential irreversible loss of staff expertise, and the impact of chronic underfunding of NARA.
“We respectfully urge NARA to: (1) commit to preserving on-site, in-person research access to these regional collections, consistent with NARA’s mission “to preserve, protect, and share the historical records of the United States to promote public inquiry and strengthen democratic participation;” (2) publicly disclose the destination, timeline, and research-access plan for records at Chicago and San Bruno before any material is moved; (3) pause the relocation of accessioned archival holdings until that information is provided and independently reviewed; and (4) work with Congress to secure the appropriations NARA needs to operate its regional facilities sustainably, rather than closing them to manage an underfunded budget.
“The records held in Chicago and San Bruno document the lives of millions of Americans and the history of two of the nation’s most populous regions. As the country marks its 250th anniversary this year, we urge NARA to recommit to preserving public access to records of that history rather than dispersing it.”