Mission, Vision and Values
En Español
Mission
We preserve, protect, and share the historical records of the United States to promote public inquiry and strengthen democratic participation.
Vision
The National Archives serves all Americans as a trusted repository of knowledge that inspires civic engagement and encourages the discovery of our nation’s stories.
Values
We Serve
We are our nation’s record keepers. We work together to enrich public understanding and ensure that the stories of our nation are accessible. We actively listen to all communities, provide timely and knowledgeable assistance, and create a collaborative environment where everyone can engage meaningfully with the rich historical resources in our care. Our service ensures current and future generations can connect with and learn from our shared past.
We Inspire
We are leaders in our fields. We use our holdings and expertise to inspire lifelong learning and civic engagement. We encourage creativity and curiosity, for ourselves and others.
We Solve Problems
We are bold. We develop novel approaches and imaginative solutions to improve preservation, access, and understanding of our nation’s historical records. We embrace advanced technologies and new business practices to thrive in a digital world.
We Are Trusted
We are nonpartisan. We are an authoritative and objective source for knowledge and information. We serve all Americans with honesty, fairness, and integrity.
We Are Efficient
We are shrewd stewards of the resources entrusted to us. We collaborate, innovate, and optimize our operations to effectively meet our mission.
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