Family History Search

There are two paths to exploring this interactive: in one scenario visitors help find the records that prove citizenship for Social Security benefits, and in another track they find the documents that prove a great grandfather’s honorable service for a military headstone. Once visitors are introduced to the stories told through narration and video, individual documents can be studied in the Enhanced Record Viewer, which allows them to zoom into every detail, turn pages, transcribe handwriting, and reveal interpretive hot spots that explain important features. Interactive touch screens are integrated directly into the exhibitry and overhead repeater screens help groups and bystanders share the experience. These installations are part of the Public Vault, “We the People,” focusing on family and the rights of citizenship. Visitors learn that the National Archives has records not only about important and famous people but also about ordinary Americans.