#archivesvirtualvisit

[sundancearchives]

Have you ever wanted to experience the summer labs at Utah’s very own Sundance Resort? While we’ve transitioned these labs to digital platforms, we put together a few beauty shots from over the years as a part of the US National Archives’ #ArchivesVirtualVisit to give you an inside look. 

[fordlibrarymuseum]

Our buildings may be closed to the public at the moment, but we’re excited to make an #ArchivesVirtualVisit for this month’s Archives Hashtag Party! Here are some of our staff’s favorite things about our two locations: the Ford Library in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and the Ford Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Views of the Ford Library (left) and Ford Museum (right)

“One architectural detail I love about the Gerald R. Ford Library building is the tall ceilings and abundance of windows in the lobby which has a light and open feel,” says Archivist Lauren.

View of the Ford Library lobby

Elaine, the Director of the Ford Library and Museum, agrees. “I enjoy the beautiful lobbies in both the Library and Museum, with their high ceilings and tall panels of windows that bring in natural lighting,” she says. “Also, the presidential seal on the wall above the stairs to the second level exhibit gallery in the Museum is so striking!”

View of the Ford Museum lobby during the opening of the new Holiday Train exhibit, 12/1/2018

“I like all of the wood throughout the building,” Archives Specialist Tim says about the Ford Library. “It has a very warm feeling like a home library.”

View of the Ford Library Research Room

One of the toughest things about social distancing isn’t being away from the building itself but from the colleagues, researchers, and visitors that we usually interact with. “I miss seeing our co-workers, chatting around the water cooler, and seeing the wildlife that wanders on our property,” says Michelle, the Library’s administrative assistant.

Administrative Assistant Michelle (right) with Ford Library and Museum Director Elaine at a staff cookout, October 2019

“What I miss most about being at the Gerald R. Ford Museum is interacting with our customers and sharing information with them. I love when someone shares their story or connection with the Ford family,” Museum store staff member Teresa says. “I also enjoy answering their questions or helping a visitor understand something about Ford's Administration or the Presidency in general. It is wonderful to share my love of history with our guests.”

Visitors lined up outside the Ford Museum, 7/13/2011

Sharing our enthusiasm for our collections is a common theme among staff. “One of my favorite parts of my job is the detective work it takes to find information for researchers,” says Archivist Stacy. “I love to ask myself, ‘how will I use the records in our stacks to answer this question?’ It is fun to explore the boxes and folders and unexpectedly discover hidden gems.” This cool Star Trek letterhead is one of her finds.

Letter from Susan Sackett to President Ford, 9/10/1975, from the White House Central Files Name File

Public Affairs Specialist Kristin says, “My favorite item on display at the Museum is the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award that President Ford received in 2001. It is a highlight on my tours – I believe the message it imparts appeals to all ages.”

President Ford’s Profiles in Courage Award

Outside of the buildings, both the Library and Museum have beautiful grounds enjoyed by staff and visitors alike. “My favorite Library spot depends on the season. Summer is patio season and the Library’s patio offers abundant plant life and the hypnotic movement of two large stainless steel triangles created by sculptor George Rickey,” says Archives Technician John. “Most lunch breaks you’ll find me enjoying the summer afternoon outside on the patio.”

View of the Ford Library patio and sculpture “Two Open Triangles Up, Gyratory II” by George Rickey

“As part of the visitor service team, I love seeing how all our visitors absolutely love the fountain and the beautiful grounds,” Museum Store Manager Janice says. “While there's other remarkable parts about the building and the artifacts, visitors are drawn to the fountain and love having photos taken when it's in action. And it's on a timer, so guests will wait up to 20 minutes to see our own ‘old faithful.’”

View of the grounds and fountain outside of the Ford Museum, September 2017

Want to explore our buildings more? Through Google Arts & Culture you can enjoy your own virtual visit to the Ford Library and Ford Museum.

[riversidearchives]

#ArchivesVirtualVisit

Due to the coronavirus closure, our staff members are missing our researchers. Today we are sharing an image of researcher Matt Dale, who visited in April 2017 and was looking at records of the US Customs Service.  

[riversidearchives]

#ArchivesVirtualVisit 

Staff members at NARA-Riverside say hello to coworkers, researchers, volunteers, and interns, all of whom we miss very much!  [This photo was taken several years ago.]

[riversidearchives]

#ArchivesVirtualVisit 

No social distancing going on here. NARA-Riverside staff members demonstrate different ways to arrange a group (several years ago). We are all missing our customers, coworkers, interns, and volunteers.   

[riversidearchives]

#ArchivesVirtualVisit

Archives Technician Tim fondly remembers the time when he gave researcher instructions to this familiar character. Tim and his coworkers are all missing our esteemed visitors.    

[riversidearchives]

#ArchivesVirtualVisit

We miss our researchers, volunteers, and interns! If you miss us, too, we put together an #ArchivesVirtualVisit so you can tour our facility without leaving home!  Visit our webpage here.