Define: National Archives And Records Administration

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is an independent agency of the United States government responsible for preserving and providing access to the nation’s historical records.

NARA holds a wide range of records, including presidential and government agency records, military service records, immigration and naturalization records, census records, court records, and more.

Records held by NARA can be accessed through various means, including visiting NARA research facilities, requesting records online, or hiring a researcher to assist you.

While the majority of records held by NARA are available to the public, there are certain restrictions on accessing certain sensitive or classified records, as well as records containing personal information that may be subject to privacy laws.

NARA keeps records permanently, as mandated by federal law. However, there are certain records that may have specific retention periods before they are transferred to NARA.

Yes, you can request records from NARA on behalf of someone else, provided you have the necessary authorization or legal authority to do so.

The cost of obtaining records from NARA varies depending on the type and size of the request. Some records may be available for free, while others may require payment of reproduction or research fees.

Yes, NARA can be a valuable resource for genealogical research, as they hold various records that can provide information about individuals and their families.

NARA’s primary role is to preserve and provide access to records, and they do not provide legal advice or assistance with legal research. However, their records can be valuable sources of information for legal research purposes.

You can contact NARA through their website, by phone, or by visiting one of their research facilities. Their website provides detailed contact information and resources for different types of inquiries.