The memory of the United States is preserved through The National Archive - the institution responsible for protecting the documents that define the nation’s laws, identity, and democratic accountability. From the Charters of Freedom to billions of federal records, it safeguards the evidence of government action and the stories of the American people. But the Archives is more than a repository: it’s a public trust, a cultural institution, and increasingly a political battleground So in this episode, I’m asking… what is the National Archive? . Special Guest: Colleen Shogan, the former Archivist of the United States, leading the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). She has overseen the preservation of federal records, the expansion of public access, and the stewardship of some of the nation’s most iconic documents. Her experience places her at the centre of debates about transparency, record‑keeping, and the political pressures facing cultural institutions today. . Highlights: 02:16 - Why was the archive created? 08:46 - Why did it take so long? 11:23 - What's in the archive? 15:50 - The selection process 21:13 - The social value of the National Archive 28:22 - A record of enslaved history 31:57 - The archive and politics 37:36 - A very presentist view of our lives 42:47 - A digital future . For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠ . Contact us: [email protected] Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠ Brands & advertises: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices