From what I have seen on FaceBook this evening, June 24, NARA added some language to the Archives 2 webpage at https://www.archives.gov/college-park that caused a great deal of consternation today. While I believe that NARA was trying to be proactive, the language in question was very poorly worded, and therefore resulted in a lot of undue anxiety and (likely) anger. The problem language has been removed, so far as I can tell. The poor language stated, in part:

“Effective July 7, 2025, the National Archives at College Park, MD, will become a restricted-access federal facility with access only for visitors with a legitimate business need. It will no longer be open to the general public….”

Most genealogists and other researchers consider themselves to be members of “the general public” so it is very easy to understand the consternation that this statement created.

I am not employed by NARA, but please understand: Doing research in records at Archives 2 is still a valid reason for any person to go to Archives 2. No change.

What was that statement all about, then? Do random people (who don’t plan on doing research) randomly find their way to Archives 2 with the idea of entering the building? It has probably has happened. (Again, mere speculation: I have no knowledge.) There are no exhibits or museum areas for people to visit at Archives 2, so there is nothing for random people to do, except eat in the cafeteria.

Breathe. Stand down from red alert.