The American Story: Your First Look at The Common Defense
We are gearing up for the opening of The American Story at the National Archives Museum in Washington, D.C. this fall.
We’re offering a "virtual" first look in the lead up to this exciting new exhibition. Each week, we will take you through the various galleries, showcasing original records that will be featured. This week, we will walk you through The Common Defense gallery, which is split up into two sections: Crisis and Conflict and the Art of Diplomacy. We are grateful to Governor Jim and Janet Blanchard, who supported several interactive stations in the Art of Diplomacy.
The Common Defense showcases records at the National Archives that capture the valor and inspiration of those who have defended and protected the United States.
These records represent all branches of the military and the nation’s diplomatic outposts around the world. They chronicle the range of tactics, strategies, and emotions behind efforts to protect and defend the United States and its interests. Collectively, they recognize the millions of Americans—military servicemembers and civilians—who answered the call to “provide for the common defense.”
In the first section, Crisis and Conflict, the role of the President as Commander in Chief is explored, along with records and artifacts related to those who served in our military. One area focuses on declassified records.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of pages of formerly classified documents are released by the National Archives. Declassified records provide a more complete picture of the past and help hold the government accountable. Releasing these records requires government agencies, the President of the United States, and Congress to balance matters of national security with the public’s right to know.
The story of the Navajo Code Talkers program is an example of the types of declassified records visitors can see. The Code Talkers were a group of Native American Marines who used the Navajo language to transmit secret military messages during World War II. Their unique code was essential to the Allied victory in the Pacific. Although their service was critical, it remained a classified operation until 1968. In 2001, President George W. Bush awarded Congressional medals to 21 Navajo Code Talkers, finally honoring their bravery and service.
Other parts of Crisis and Conflict explore actual military stories, such as the American flag flying over Fort McHenry in 1814 that inspired Francis Scott Key to write what would become the national anthem. Visitors will see originals including the radio log marking Amelia Earhart’s final transmission, and an action report recounting a World War II mission that left future President George H. W. Bush as the sole survivor of a downed aircraft.
Radio Log of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Itasca, July 2, 1937
Leo G. Bellarts Papers
The other half of the gallery, Art of Diplomacy, highlights the role of the President as a diplomatic Head of State. One notable original on display is the Treaty seal die of the Great Seal of the United States, created by jeweler Seraphim Masi in 1825. Virtually unchanged since it was first approved in 1782, the seal is still prominent in U.S. foreign and domestic affairs. Its imprint is key to ensuring a government record’s authenticity.
Visitors will see a variety of treaties made between the United States and other nations, including Tribal Nations. Every year the U.S. enters into more than 200 treaties and international agreements. The treaties preserved at the National Archives reflect the breadth of American engagement around the world and the evolution of U.S. international relations throughout our history.
Finally, visitors can see an array of artifacts gifted to Presidents as a part of diplomatic exchanges. Every President since George Washington has engaged in the ritual of exchanging gifts with foreign governments. Most gifts are transferred to the National Archives for preservation in a Presidential Library. Below you can see examples of some of the gifts that will be on display, courtesy of their respective Presidential Libraries. There is a pair of spurs gifted to President Lyndon B. Johnson from the President of Mexico and a Waterford crystal cowboy boot given by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Ireland to President Ronald Reagan.
Stay tuned as this is just the beginning; each upcoming edition of the Archives Experience newsletter will give you exclusive sneak previews from the other captivating galleries within The American Story. From artifacts to the people behind it all, we'll continue to take you behind the scenes, revealing new treasures and stories that deepen our understanding of America’s past and present.
