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National Archives Day

Explore history on National Archives Day! From ancient artifacts to personal letters, there's something fascinating for everyone at the archives.

Wednesday

October 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEOctober 21

OBSERVED INPhilippines

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYCivics

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate the preservation and importance of historical documents on National Archives Day on October 21! This day was created to recognize the vital role that archives play in our society, from safeguarding valuable records to providing access to important information. Did you know that the United States' National Archives and Records Administration is responsible for preserving over 10 billion pages of textual records? That's definitely something worth celebrating! So take some time today to appreciate the efforts of archivists and librarians who work tirelessly to preserve our history.

TIMELINE

National Archives Day Timeline

British Museum Foundation

The British Museum, which includes one of the world's oldest public national archive collections, was founded.

U.S. National Archivist Role

In the 1800s, the role of the Archivist of the United States was formalized to preserve important governmental documents.

U.S. National Archives Creation

The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration was created, maintaining billions of pages of important records.

Freedom of Information Act

The Freedom of Information Act enacted in the U.S., promoting greater public access to governmental documents stored in archives.

Digital Archives Emergence

The introduction of digital archives revolutionized the availability and accessibility of historical documents, ensuring preservation and access in the digital age.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Archives Day

Visit your local archives

Take a trip to your local archives and explore the historical documents and artifacts that are housed there. You might learn something new about your community or even your own family history.

ATTEND

Attend an archives tour

Many archives offer guided tours to showcase their collections and provide insight into the preservation and organization of historical documents. Take advantage of this opportunity and sign up for a tour on National Archives Day.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at an archives

Contact a local archive and inquire about volunteer opportunities on National Archives Day. You can help with organizing and cataloging documents, or even lead a tour for visitors.

CREATE

Create a scrapbook of historical documents

Gather old photos, letters, and other documents and create a scrapbook to preserve your own personal history. This is a great way to honor National Archives Day and ensure that your own historical records are preserved for future generations.

HOST

Host a movie night featuring documentaries about archives

Invite friends over for a movie night and watch documentaries about archives and the importance of preserving historical documents. This is a fun and educational way to celebrate National Archives Day.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Archives Day is Important

Promoting transparency and accountability

By preserving government records, the National Archives promote transparency and accountability in the workings of our government. This allows for greater trust and understanding between the government and its citizens.

Preserving our history

National Archives Day is a reminder of the importance of preserving historical documents and records, which provide valuable insight into our past. These archives allow us to learn from our history and shape a better future.

Access to information

The National Archives not only preserve historical documents, but also make them accessible to the public. This allows individuals to research and discover their own personal histories, as well as gain a deeper understanding of their country's past.