Share the Records Behind Our Nation’s Stories!
It’s no surprise that the National Archives is home to our country’s most significant records. However, the number of American stories told through critically acclaimed novels, documentaries, and films—all thanks to the primary sources protected by the National Archives—may surprise you. Learn more about a few of these stories below.
As a new year approaches, we invite you to give to the National Archives Foundation to support the programs, exhibits, and educational initiatives that inspire people to share our nation’s stories in courageous and compelling ways.
Killers of the Flower Moon
Ernest Burkhart’s petition for the guardianship of Osage woman Mollie Burkhart, who was unjustly deemed “incompetent” in managing her finances (May 23, 1922; National Archives ID: 158587774). Actor Lily Gladstone portrayed Mollie Burkhart, the movie’s chief protagonist, in Killers of the Flower Moon (2023).
To inform Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI, author David Grann used records from the National Archives—from private investigator reports to guardianship papers—to piece together a shocking story hidden from public view.
Award-winning director Martin Scorsese worked with Grann, actors like Lily Gladstone, and members of the Osage Nation to adapt the story to the screen in 2023’s Killers of the Flower Moon.
Saving Private Ryan
The draft card of Edward Niland, one of the four Niland Brothers who inspired several characters featured in Spielberg’s film Saving Private Ryan. (1940; National Archives ID: 4693889)
Award-winning director Steven Spielberg has played a significant role in enlightening audiences about our nation’s complex past.
For 1998’s Saving Private Ryan, Spielberg was inspired by the real-life Niland brothers who served in World War II. The National Archives preserves their records—including one brother’s draft card, Edward Niland.
Hear from Spielberg and fellow filmmaker Ken Burns about portraying history through film:
Apollo 13
A photograph of the spacesuit worn by Jim Lovell whom Hanks plays in Apollo 13 (taken in 1999; National Archives ID: 355305106). This and many other space records are preserved by the National Archives.
In Apollo 13, award-winning actor, director, and producer Tom Hanks portrayed astronaut Jim Lovell, one of the three astronauts aboard the failed lunar mission in 1970. Using flight transcripts and space-exploration records found in the National Archives, the 1995 film illustrated the tension around the international space race and honored the legacy of the three astronauts aboard the spacecraft.
Learn mmore about how Hanks has used National Archives records to tell American stories throughout his career:
Grann, Scorsese, Gladstone, Spielberg, and Hanks have all received the Foundation’s prestigious Records of Achievement Award for their contributions to fostering a broader awareness of American history.
Donate today to help share more American stories left out of traditional history books.