As for taking papers in with you - I'm familiar mainly with NARA2 at College
Park, and there the restriction is that you have every piece of paper
stamped before going in so that there will be no obstruction when coming
out. And I had no difficulty using a laptop there, apart from having to take
it in without its carrying bag. At NARA2 there are carts, but otherwise, if
your laptop is heavy, I advise a couple of straps with a carrying handle,
otherwise notes, laptop, connecting cable and pencils get to be quite a
handful.

John Weiss
London

----- Original Message -----
From: "westview" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, August 11, 2002 3:22 PM
Subject: Re: US National Archives


: Katie and other listers,
:
: Lucky you to be going to the Archives!  It is truly a wonderful place!  I
: have no specific info on where to look for specific records, however, I
: thought you might be interested in some general info re: using the
Archives.
: I used to go there frequently when I lived in MD but it's been at least
five
: years since my last visit, so if things have changed I hope someone will
: jump in and correct me.
:
: First, get there very early --- as soon as they open --- and expect to
stay
: there until they close if you want to make the most of your time.  It can
: take a VERY long time to get original records pulled.  I've waited hours
for
: one record.  If you find something of interest, request it right away
since
: you may have to wait for it, especially around lunch time.
:
: Expect to have to fill out a form and show ID to get a researcher's card
: before you will be allowed to go anywhere.  It's not a big deal, but takes
: time.
:
: You will not be allowed to take ANYTHING into the research room.  No bags,
: papers, notes, writing pad, pens, pencils, nada.  They provide cards and
: pencils.  You have to put all your stuff in a locker (bring coins!).  I
was
: always using original records so this applied; I'm not sure if it also
: applies to the area that has card files, etc.  I don't know if they allow
: laptops now.
:
: You will be expected to maintain complete silence -- which they enforce.
: Which means if you go with someone, no talking above a very low whisper.
: They WILL tell you to shut up.  Very embarassing.
:
: Wear comfortable clothes that won't show dirt; some of those old records
are
: absolutely filthy.  Especially anything bound in old morocco leather,
which
: inevitably will be disintergrating.
:
: Since you live in DC you probably already know this, but for other
listers:
: If you are driving, you might consider parking on the outskirts and taking
: the metro to the archives.  Parking in downtown DC is a nightmare.  Be
very
: careful with the parking garages in the area.  I once made the mistake of
: parking in a garage near the Archives where the attendant assured me they
: would be open until midnight.  I left the Archives when they closed at
10:00
: pm, only to find that the garage was closed with my car locked inside.  I
: won't bore you with the story, suffice to say it involved getting the
: police, the building manager, and others before I could get the car.  So
my
: caveat is:  be careful where you park!
:
: Have fun and prepare to be awed!  I hope I haven't scared anyone off.
NARA
: is a wonderful place full of amazing things, but they have their rules and
: it helps to know them before hand.
:
: Have a great time --- I am pea green with envy!
:
: Kathy Liston
:
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