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 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 at: 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. To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html