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Archivist Quotes

Quotes on archives, memory, and duty

These archivist quotes reflect on the responsibility of safeguarding America's historical record, from a Cold War-era defection story to the modern role of the National Archives.

One of my books, called 'Moscow Station,' revealed that a KGB archivist had defected from Russia to the FBI. And I knew that he was safe, and revealing this would not jeopardize him. But nevertheless, the FBI started a leak...

Quotes by Ronald Kessler

The Archivist of the United States essentially works for the American people across partisan lines and not, regardless of which Administration nominates the person, for a particular President or political party.

Quotes by Allen Weinstein

Thus, the Archivist must display at all times scrupulous independence and a devotion to the laws and principles which govern the responsibilities of the office.

Quotes by Allen Weinstein

Not only the Archivist alone but all who work for NARA are designated custodians of America's national memory.

Quotes by Allen Weinstein

Frequently Asked Questions

What role does the Archivist play according to these quotes?
The quotes describe the Archivist as a custodian of the nation's historical record, responsible for preserving documents that belong to the public.
Why is independence emphasized in these quotes?
Because the office is expected to remain neutral, showing devotion to established laws rather than favoring any particular president or party.
Is there a real-world story connected to archivists here?
Yes, one quote references a KGB archivist who defected to the United States, an account tied to a book about intelligence history.
Who exactly is described as working for the Archivist's office?
The quotes note that everyone at NARA, not just the top Archivist, shares the duty of protecting national memory.
Does the collection suggest the Archivist favors any political side?
No, it explicitly states the office serves the public across partisan lines regardless of which administration appoints the officeholder.

Other quotes stress that the office demands strict neutrality, since an archivist serves the public record rather than any single political administration.