Losing Research Hours at the National Archives (NARA)

Dear Fellow Researchers,

The hour changes at NARA will affect the research needs of many of us here in Connecticut. Please see the link below to electronically sign a petition. You will be able to read what other people have said (before or after signing) about the proposed new hours and what some researchers have suggested instead.

These are the closest National Archives (NARA): Waltham (Boston) MA, Pittsfield, MA, and New York City.

Sincerely,
Deborah T.
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"NARA announced recently ( Thursday, Aug. 31) that very few genealogists have made their voices heard on the issue of the reduction of hours at the National Archives. The Federation of Genealogical Societies Records Preservation and Access Committee has prepared a statement indicating that, “This lack of response sends a loud signal to the Archives that this is not a serious issue and that closing the Archives on evenings and Saturdays is irrelevant. The RPAC has recommended the following suggestions for the Archives to consider:"

“1. To accommodate the needs of those who need access on Saturdays, we propose that you close one other day per week. This would be at your discretion. Other archives often close Sunday and Monday."

“2. Users who need evening hour access could be accommodated by opening the archives later in the day, again at your discretion."

“If you agree with the recommendations stated above, we are asking your support by immediately going on-line and adding your ‘signature’ to our petition to substitute the hours of access and still help the archives to meet their need to consolidate their hours of operation. Before 8 September 2006, please go to:
http://www.PetitionOnline.com/FGS2006/petition.html
(case sensitive)

“If you would like to send your own personal letter, send it prior to 8 September 2006 and address it to:

Regulations Comments Desk (NPOL)
Room 4100, Policy and Planning Staff
National Archives and Records Administration
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740-6001”

Please help spread the word on this important issue by sharing it with others.
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