Freedmen's Bureau Marriage Records

Past Exhibit
Freedmens Bureau Marriage Records Ongoing Exhibit … The Freedmen’s Bureau helped newly freed people legalize their marriages. After the Civil War, the federal government established a War Department agency to help Americans transition from slavery to freedom. The Freedmen’s Bureau (1865–72) issued rations, operated hospitals and helped establish schools and unite families. It worked to resolve labor disputes and negotiate labor contracts. It also presided over and documented marriages between freed …

Discovery Center

Web Page
Discovery Center Web Page … Coming Soon in 2025! The Discovery Center is currently closed to the public for renovations. We look forward to welcoming visitors back to the Center in the fall of 2025. During its renovation, our education staff will continue to facilitate on-site education programs for K–12 classes and teachers professional development sessions. Reservations for both programs should be made by emailing fieldtrips@nara.gov …

The War Beneath the Waves: Mary Sears and the Navy's Oceanographic Unit

Current Exhibit
The War Beneath the Waves Mary Sears and the Navys Oceanographic Unit Current Exhibit … After World War II, Mary Sears was promoted to lieutenant commander and served as officer in charge of the Navy’s new Division of Oceanography. She retired as a commander in the Navy Reserve in 1963.  Mary Sears posing behind stacks of work, January 1, 1960. Photo courtesy of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Archives After World War II, Mary Sears was promoted to lieutenant commander and served as officer in charge …

The Emancipation Proclamation and Juneteenth

Past Exhibit
The Emancipation Proclamation and Juneteenth Past Exhibit … Milestones in the long struggle for American freedom Emancipation Proclamation President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, as the nation approached the third year of the Civil War. Lincoln's proclamation, which declared "that all persons held as slaves" within the rebellious states "are, and henceforward shall be free,” was “a fit and necessary war measure for suppressing rebellion.” The Proclamation also …