National Archives Office of the Inspector General Launches Facebook Page

Archival Recovery Team Facebook page encourages public involvement

WASHINGTON, May 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Archives Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has launched an Archival Recovery Team Facebook page.  Through this new social media outreach, the OIG expands its effort to identify and recover alienated Federal holdings that belong in the collection of the National Archives.  The URL is http://www.facebook.com/archivalrecoveryteam.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080925/DC35252LOGO)

"Thousands of researchers each year have access to our nation's priceless documentary heritage, using original records at National Archives facilities across the nation. This allows American citizens to see for themselves the workings of the Federal government and the accountability of Federal officials.  These priceless records must be protected and preserved," said Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero.

This Facebook page urges the public to assist the OIG's Archival Recovery Team in identifying and recovering missing Federal records. "Federal public records tell the story of the American experience. Our Facebook page features a number of missing items that are of significance in telling our great American story. We need the public's help in locating and restoring these National Treasures to their rightful place," said National Archives Inspector General Paul Brachfeld.

Each month the Archival Recovery Team Facebook page will feature an item (or related group of items) that is missing from the collection of the National Archives. The May "Missing Item-of-the-Month" is the collection of 35 documents from the Wright Brothers Flying Machine patent file, last seen at the National Archives in 1979.

Background

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is an independent office within the National Archives that helps the Agency to more effectively and efficiently ensure ready access to essential evidence.  The OIG serves as an independent internal advocate for efficiency and effectiveness.

To contact the Office of the Inspector General, please call 301-837-3500 or 800-786-2551 (toll-free).                                  

SOURCE National Archives