The Women’s Army Corps Requests “The Pleasure of Your Company”

The Navy film How to Succeed with Brunettes teaches male officers how to behave like gentlemen, but what were the military’s expectations for the many female recruits? Once again, staff in NARA’s Motion Picture Preservation Lab and Special Media’s Motion Picture, Sound, and Video Branch were able to find the answer in the large accession … Continue reading The Women’s Army Corps Requests “The Pleasure of Your Company”

What Would You Do If 40 Tons of Records Arrived on Your Doorstep?

Mission Preservation! Technical Assessment of the Films of the Defense Visual Information Center in the Motion Picture Preservation Lab In 2006, the National Archives accessioned over 2700 titles from the Defense Visual Information Center (DVIC). By the time the 51 pallets (coming to 40 tons!) of motion picture and video records arrived at Archives II … Continue reading What Would You Do If 40 Tons of Records Arrived on Your Doorstep?

Getting to Know Harry Truman

I’ve gotten to know President Harry Truman pretty well over the past year. I’m familiar with his opinions, mannerisms, and vocal cadence.  In some ways, he reminds me of my grandfather. How did I become so well-acquainted with our 33rd president? I’ve never met him and I’m no presidential historian, but I do work in … Continue reading Getting to Know Harry Truman