National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)

Overview

Preservation of vital records is a government-wide requirement imposed through a variety of laws and facilitated by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) guidance. Each Federal agency is required by statute and by regulation to establish and maintain a vital records management program. An effective vital records management program is essential to successful records management. Vital records include records and information necessary to continue the essential functions and activities of an agency in case of an emergency or disaster; and to protect the legal and financial rights of the agency, its employees, and the public.

What is the National Archives and Records Administration?

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is the nation's record keeper. Of all documents and materials created in the course of business conducted by the United States federal government, only 1%-3% are so important for legal or historical reasons that they are kept by us forever.Those valuable records are preserved and are available to you, whether you want to see if they contain clues about your family’s history, need to prove a veteran’s military service, or are researching a historical topic that interests you. Learn more.