“Fire” at the National Archives

If the first months of 2025 haven’t sounded the alarm, then we need to redefine “emergency.” A sweeping assault is raging through our nation’s historical institutions, yet it’s getting buried in the frenzied whiplash of our daily politics.  

Here’s what’s happening:

• The abrupt, unexplained firing of Colleen Shogan—the first female Archivist of the United States and the only AOTUS ever dismissed.
• The sudden resignation of Deputy Archivist William Bosanko, with whispers that Secretary of State Marco Rubio could take control.
• Mass firings at the National Archives (NARA), National Park Service (NPS), and JFK Presidential Library—rumored to be carried out without notice or explanation.
• Government records disappearing before our eyes.

And it begs the question: What would democracy be without those who safeguard its history and integrity?

The easiest way to compromise a nation’s historical record isn’t through outright destruction—it’s by removing those who protect it.

The Archivist of the United States (AOTUS) and the National Archives Records Administration (NARA) play a crucial role in ensuring government transparency and public access to historical information. When leadership is eliminated, the systems that uphold our laws, preserve our records, and keep our national memory are at risk, leaving our historical collections in limbo.

Here’s why these roles matter—and what’s at stake when they’re undermined.

• Electoral College Oversight: The Archivist of the United States manages the Electoral College process, ensuring states follow proper procedures and correctly preserve official records.
• Federal Regulations & Transparency: The National Archives publishes the Code of Federal Regulations and the Federal Register, which documents presidential actions, public meetings, and regulatory changes.
• Constitutional Amendments: NARA administers the amendment process, authenticating state ratifications and certifying constitutional changes.
• Federal Records Protection: Federal agencies cannot destroy records without NARA’s approval, and the agency enforces retention rules and conducts oversight.
• Personnel Records Management: NARA maintains files for all former federal employees at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC).
• Classified Document Oversight: The agency houses the Information Security Oversight Office and National Declassification Center, ensuring proper handling of classified materials.
• Freedom of Information Act (FOIA): NARA oversees FOIA compliance, acting as an ombudsman for public complaints and government transparency.

At Relicura, we understand how unsettling this moment may be for you. Your safety and well-being come first, and we urge you to prioritize them. If you feel called to take action, we invite you to start by adding your name below.

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