National Archives' Most-Requested Photos in Winter Issue of Prologue Magazine
Press Release · Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Washington, DC

Some of the most requested photographs of the millions of images in the holdings of the National Archives and Records Administration are revealed in the Winter 2004 issue of the agency's quarterly flagship magazine, Prologue.

They include such historic events as the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the landing on the coast of France on June 6, 1944, the March on Washington in August 1963, and President Richard M. Nixon's famous meeting with Elvis Presley in 1970.

Although a majority of these photographs are related to World War II, that should not be surprising, writes Ellen Fried in the article, "From Pearl Harbor to Elvis: Images that Endure."

"The images held by NARA document the activities of the federal government, and defending the country is one of the government's major duties," she writes. "And World War II was the central conflict of the twentieth century."

The Winter issue also dispels any notions that there's a treasure map on the back of the Declaration of Independence, as is depicted in the recent movie National Treasure.

In "The Flip Side of History," Prologue notes that the only thing written on the back of the Declaration are the words, "Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776." For proof positive, an image of the back of the Declaration is provided.

In his regular column, Archivist of the United States John W. Carlin describes the new Public Vaults exhibition, part of the National Archives Experience at the National Archives Building in Washington. And, in the "Spotlight on NARA" feature, Prologue introduces you to the agency's Exhibits Staff, which put together the Public Vaults and all the agency's other exhibits, using original documents from NARA holdings.

In "By George, IT IS Washington's Birthday," Prologue contributor C. L. Arbelbide reminds us that the official name of the February federal holiday is George Washington's Birthday, not "Presidents' Day," despite what advertisers say.

For 35 years, Prologue has shared with readers the rich resources and programs of the National Archives, its regional archives, and the Presidential libraries. Each issue features historical articles – drawn from National Archives' holdings and written by noted historians, archivists, and experts – as well as articles explaining and describing many of the National Archives' activities and programs as the nation's recordkeeping agency. The Washington Post said, "Prologue . . . can be regarded quite literally as an invitation for further study. It is also consistently absorbing reading."

A 1-year subscription to Prologue costs $20. To begin a subscription, call 301-837-1850 or 1-800-234-8861, or print out the order form found on the web site at www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/subscribe_to_prologue.html. Mail orders to Prologue, P.O. Box 100684, Atlanta, GA, 30384.

You can also fax credit card orders to Prologue at 301-837-0319.

Single copies of Prologue are available at the Archives Shop or at the Cashier's Office in the National Archives Building in Washington or at the Publications Sales Office at the National Archives at College Park. Back issues are also available at the College Park location.

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For press information, contact the National Archives Public Affairs Staff at 202-501-5526.

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