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Chicago Collections

@chicollections.bsky.social

A consortium of libraries, museums, and other institutions with archives that collaborate to preserve and share the history and culture of the Chicago region.

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Chicago Collections@chicollections.bsky.social · yesterday

A powerful statement asking all the important questions from the United International Indigenous Nations. Thanks @formidablegen.bsky.social!

The Formidable Genealogist@formidablegen.bsky.social · 2d ago

The United International Indigenous Nations has issued a Statement of Solidarity and Formal Inquiry regarding the planned closure of the National Archives at Chicago and the possible relocation of its Bureau of Indian Affairs records. Please read it and share it. #genealogy #nara #nationalarchives

Rep. Chuy García@chuygarcia.house.gov · 6d ago

I oppose the closing of the National Archives facility in Chicago. The lack of transparency surrounding this decision has only deepened the loss it would represent for researchers, historians, dedicated employees, and our community. I urge the National Archives to reconsider this decision.

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Cheryl Ziegler@bibliographix1.bsky.social · 2w ago

Thank you to the incomparable Jonathan Eig for your support! “America is nothing without its history, and NARA is the keeper of our history. Over and over again, they help to remind us who we are as Americans. They help us discover our history and ourselves."

MEDIA CONTACT: info@chicagoarchivists.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 20, 2026 Pulitzer Prize Winner Jonathan Eig Joins Chicago Area Archivists in Concern Over Closure of Regional NARA Facility Chicago, IL – Pulitzer Prize winning author Jonathan Eig made the following statement when learning from Chicago Area Archivists of plans by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) to close the National Archives at Chicago facility and the co-located Chicago Federal Records Center: “America is nothing without its history, and NARA is the keeper of our history. Local NARA facilities like the one in Chicago help preserve and enrich our national identity. Over and over again, they help to remind us who we are as Americans. They help us discover our history and ourselves. I’ve relied heavily on the Chicago NARA facility for my research. In fact, when I discovered thousands of pages of federal records from the federal government’s investigation of Al Capone sitting in liquor-store boxes in Nebraska, I purchased them and donated them to the NARA facility in Chicago, where they have since been available for all the world to see. To paraphrase Faulkner, the past is never dead; it’s not even past; it’s sitting in boxes waiting for us to dig through it, scan it on our cellphones, and usher it from the present to the future. But, of course, that only works if we continue to be responsible caretakers of our history. Our country’s future depends on it.” —Jonathan Eig, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for biography and author of King: A Life, Ali: A Life, Get Capone, and other books Mr. Eig’s remarks underscore the importance of CAA’s Call to Action to keep the National Archives at Chicago open and accessible for historians and all citizens. With more than 140,000 cubic feet of irreplaceable permanent records from 85 federal agencies across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin, thecollection documents the entire history of the Great Lakes region and its people—from records of momentous and historically significant events to routine paperwork that some citizens need to access in order to prove citizenship, obtain Medicare, receive other government benefits, and beyond. What can you do? 1. Call, Text and/or Email Your Representatives Use some of the language above to let them know what's going on and ask them to get involved to stop this closure. ● Find your representative: www.house.gov/representatives ● Find your senators: https://www.senate.gov/senators 2. Email NARA Leadership Tell them you know about the intended closure, how it doesn't align with NARA's stated mission and that you are concerned. ● Ed Forst, Acting Archivist of the United States (Head and chief administrator) ● Jay Trainer, Chief Operating Officer ● Chris Naylor, Executive for Research Services ● Corey Cooke, Acting Chief of Staff 3. Tell our State Leadership Let them know they need to intervene now before local records and knowledge are lost. ● Kwame Raoul, Office of the Illinois Attorney General - (312) 814-3000 (Chicago office) ● Alexi Giannoulias, Office of the Secretary of State - 800-252-8980 (toll free in Illinois); 217-785-3000 (outside Illinois) 4. Sign the Chicago Petition ● https://www.change.org/savechicagoarchives Since 1982, Chicago Area Archivists (CAA) has provided opportunities for local archivists, historians, librarians and others in the Chicago metro area to meet togetherfor discussion, social interaction, and education. Our membership includes archivists, librarians, and records managers in academic, corporate, governmental, institutional, library, and museum settings. Our goals are to share information on issues of interest to the local archival community, to advocate for preservation of and access to historically valuable resources related to the Chicago area, and to keep members informed about archival programs and resources https://www.chicagoarchivists.org, info@chicagoarchivists.org
Chicago Collections@chicollections.bsky.social · 2w ago

This morning's In the Loop is online! Listen to this powerful discussion about NARA in Chicago: www.wbez.org/in-the-loop-...

Archivists: Closure of Chicago National Archives threatens our right to access history

The National Archives at Chicago is a resource for residents and researchers including historians, genealogists and librarians.

wbez.org

Chicago Collections@chicollections.bsky.social · 2w ago

Powerful discussion with @chicagoarchivists.bsky.social on @wbez.org's In the Loop this morning. Listen when it's posted but sharing some highlights here in a thread. This is regarding the closure of NARA in Chicago. 1/n

Chicago Collections@chicollections.bsky.social · last mo.

Consider the relatively small number of staff there to interpret and serve these collections. Are these staff moving too or are these large collections being absorbed into another location without a corresponding number of staff? And see ⬇️

Chicago Collections@chicollections.bsky.social · last mo.

Our access to historical records is directly affected by this closure. Thanks @chicagoarchivists.bsky.social for their attention to this. blockclubchicago.org/2026/07/06/c...

Chicago Collections@chicollections.bsky.social · last mo.

Our access to historical records is directly affected by this closure. Thanks @chicagoarchivists.bsky.social for their attention to this. blockclubchicago.org/2026/07/06/c...

Chicago National Archives Closure Will Be Loss For Historians, Researchers — Even Deep-Sea Divers

The closure of the South Side center will take place “over the next few years.” The records and documents will be relocated, but it’s unclear where and how many employees are affected.

blockclubchicago.org