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Take Action to Prevent Chicago NARA Closure

It’s time to get loud! The government is continuing its plan of cultural silencing, including the closure of two regional NARA branches. We’re asking our members and their networks to GET LOUD about these closures, especially the NARA Chicago facility. This is only the beginning of this fight, and we need to make sure people know it’s happening!

These are not meaningless stacks of paper to be shipped off and forgotten. They are OUR records and contain the history of the people of the Great Lakes Region. The National Archives vision statement claims “The National Archives serves all Americans as a trusted repository of knowledge that inspires civic engagement and encourages the discovery of our nation’s stories.“ This move risks the public’s trust in NARA and so it is time for some civic engagement. As a federal entity, NARA is answerable to the American people and the CAA Steering Committee encourages our members, as well as the public to hold them accountable.


Feel free to use any part of the CAA statement when communicating with representatives, leadership and your network to explain what is happening.

1. Call, Text and/or Email Your Representatives

Use some of the language above to let them know what's going on and ask them to get involved to stop this closure. 

2. Email NARA Leadership

Tell them you know about the intended closure, how it doesn't align with NARA's stated mission, and that you are concerned. 

3. Tell our State Leadership

Let them know they need to intervene now before local records and knowledge are lost.

  • Kwame Raoul, Office of the Illinois Attorney General - (312) 814-3000 (Chicago office)
  • Alexi Giannoulias, Office of the Secretary of State - 800-252-8980 (toll free in Illinois); 217-785-3000 (outside Illinois)

4. Sign the Chicago Petition

  • Click here to sign our petition to stop the closure.

Thank you for your advocacy.


Background, press, and more information:

Chicago Area Archivists Statements

Local and National Press

                 Contact CAA at info@chicagoarchivists.org

                 © Chicago Area Archivists

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