Dear Fellow researchers,

The National Archives is considering closing its doors for
evening and weekend research. Most people work and some go to
school and work, making it impossible to use the archives during
normal workday hours. Many historical and genealogical societies
sponsor bus trips on weekends, making Saturday the busiest day
at the Archives. While fewer people research in the evening,
those who do are there because their schedules require it.

On 28 Aug,  The Federation of Genealogical Societies, which
represents genealogical societies in America and
internationally, formally proposed an alternative plan, which
suggests keeping Saturday hours, and closing any other weekday
instead. Evening hours could be cut by opening the Archives
later in the day and extending hours into the evening once a
week.

The only people who would be served by the Archive's current
plan are those paid by the government or universities to conduct
research during normal hours.  Family historians and
genealogists, and the sponsored groups and tours, will be shut
out.

The National Archive is asking for comments, through the
Comments Desk. We only have until Sept 8 to change their minds
about the closure. A petition is being circulated on the net to
support the alternative plan suggested by the attendees of their
annual conference. Signatures from all interested parties are
welcome.  PLEASE take a few minutes to sign the petition:

http://www.petitiononline.com/FGS2006/petition.html

AND/OR write:

Regulations Comments Desk (NPOL)
Room 4100, Policy and Planning Staff
National Archives and Records Administration
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740-6001

The cut in hours has been made necessary by a 22 million dollar
budget cut.  Ask your representatives in Congress to restore
funding to the National Archives, one of America’s  greatest
treasures.

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