This pillbox hat, which was worn during John F. Kennedy’s 1960 presidential campaign, was one of Jackie Kennedy’s signature looks. The smallish, brimless headpiece was popular for both its simplicity and elegance, two major characteristics of the First Lady’s fashion. Be sure to check out today’s Pieces of History post for more on Jackie Kennedy’s unique fashion and signature style! National Archives Identifier: 7851368.
ALTWe’re sorry, but we will not be able to post updates to our social media channels during the government shutdown. All National Archives events–virtual or in person–are canceled until further notice. We will be unable to reply to messages or emails until the government reopens.
The National Archives holds numerous patent records in our Catalog—documents that showcase American creativity and ingenuity. Let’s dive into some fascinating inventions together! 💡
Is reading cursive your superpower? ✒️
🎉 It’s #NationalVolunteerWeek! Thank you to our 23,454 Citizen Archivists (as of March 31, 2025) who have contributed to the National Archives Catalog by transcribing 1,147,019 pages. We invite everyone to volunteer as a #CitizenArchivist and help bring history to life.
It’s #WorldBookDay, and we’re highlighting a page-turner in the holdings of the National Archives: George Washington’s Revolutionary War account book.
General George Washington refused to accept a salary as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, but he did receive reimbursement for his expenses.
Washington was always meticulous with his finances. He accounted for every penny spent at his Mount Vernon estate and applied the same precision in managing the Continental Army.
Throughout the 8 years of the Revolutionary War (1775 - 1783), Washington maintained a complete record of all the expenses he incurred as Commander in Chief. This book is written almost entirely in his own hand and includes the charges of his daily meals, housekeepers, and spies.
According to his accounts, Washington had incurred expenses totaling $160,074 by the end of the Revolutionary War.
These records provide enlightening insights into the daily lives of Washington, his family, and the people who played vital roles around them.
On the night of April 18, 1775, Paul Revere rode through the Massachusetts countryside to warn patriots of the approaching British forces. His ride helped ignite the Revolutionary War.
But Revere didn’t ride alone. William Dawes and Samuel Prescott were also crucial messengers that night. Their coordinated efforts alerted militias before the battles of Lexington and Concord. Dive into primary sources on Docs Teach: https://www.docsteach.org/activities/printactivity/prequel-to-independence
The National Archives holds powerful visual records of this moment in history, including art and documents that tell the full story of Revere’s mission. Explore the ride’s legacy in this curated photo set: https://www.archives.gov/research/military/american-revolution/pictures
The sport of basketball was invented in 1891 by a man named Dr. James Naismith. He was a physical education teacher at the YMCA Training School (now known as Springfield College) in Springfield, Massachusetts, and he came up with the idea of basketball as a way to provide his students with a fun, indoor activity that would keep them active and engaged.
The first basketball game was played on December 21, 1891, and it was a pretty simple affair. There were nine players on each team, and the game was played inside a YMCA gymnasium. The court was just half the size of a modern basketball court, and the baskets were simply peach baskets attached to the walls.
The game was a huge success and quickly became a popular activity at the YMCA. In fact, the game spread so quickly that just a few years later, the first professional basketball league was formed.
