Who designed the National Archives building?
Who designed the National Archives building?
John Russell Pope
National Archives Research Center/Architects
The National Archives Building was designed by the renowned architect John Russell Pope (1874–1937) as a temple to history. Pope, who also designed the Jefferson Memorial, wanted the architecture of the National Archives to reflect the significance, security, and permanence of the records held therein.
What does the National Archives symbolize?
U.S. National Archives. Architect John Russell Pope’s design for the National Archives Building incorporates symbols of American unity, freedom, protection, and democracy to convey the importance of the National Archives’ mission to preserve America’s historical documents.
Why were the National Archives built?
Congress established the National Archives in 1934 to preserve and care for the records of the U.S. Government. Previously, federal records were kept in various basements, attics, abandoned buildings, and other storage places with little security or concern for storage conditions.
What is archive building?
Archives and Record Storage buildings are facilities that provide a proper environment for the purpose of storing records and materials that require permanent protection for historic and lifetime storage, upkeep, and preservation.
When was the Constitution moved to the National Archives?
On December 13, 1952, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were transferred to the National Archives.
What is the name of the 3 documents found at the National Archives?
They are the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
How does the National Archives demonstrate that the US maintained a democratic system?
In a democracy, records belong to the people, and for more than eight decades, NARA has preserved and provided access to the records of the United States of America. Records help us claim our rights and entitlements, hold our elected officials accountable for their actions, and document our history as a nation.
What do the National Archives contain?
The National Archives holds historical U.S. government documents (federal, congressional, and presidential records) that are created or received by the President and his staff, by Congress, by employees of Federal government agencies, and by the Federal courts in the course of their official duties.
What is housed in the National Archives?
Located at the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, the National Archives Experience, including the permanent display of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, as well as the Public Vaults, is open every day except Thanksgiving Day and December 25.
When was the National Archives building built?
1935
National Archives Research Center/Opened
Whats in the National Archives?
What is the name of the three documents found at the National Archives?
Many people know the National Archives as the keeper of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
What is the style of the National Archives Building?
The National Archives Building focuses its architectural features on a Greek revival style. The main characteristics are the use of columns, capital orders, entablature, and sculpture to create the Greek style temple front. This symbolizes the building’s importance and influence, this reflects upon its purpose.
How big are the Corinthian columns on Constitution Avenue?
It has 72 Corinthian columns that are each 53 feet high, 5 feet 8 inches in diameter, and weigh 95 tons. The two bronze doors that guard the Constitution Avenue entrance each weigh 6½ tons and measure 38 feet 7 inches high, nearly 10 feet wide, and 11 inches thick.
Why was the building of the National Archives delayed?
Because of delays in site selection, land acquisition and design, the project was stalled a number of years. The Archives building proved more difficult to design than the other Federal buildings in the project because it was more than an office space for workers; it would store the most valuable records of the government.
What was the original purpose of the National Archives?
Planning stages. That year, Congress authorized construction of the National Archives Building as part of a massive public buildings program designed to beautify the center of Washington, DC, and provide office space for the growing federal bureaucracy. This program led to the design and construction of buildings within the Federal Triangle.
