The National Archives at College Park (also known as Archives II), a major facility of the National Archives and Records Administration located in College Park, Maryland has announced it is closing its doors to the public, except for those with a vague “legitimate business need,” on July 7th.
The building primarily holds government records of the 20th century and receives current holdings from the 21st century as they become available from government agencies. It is also home to the nation’s collection of cartographic, moving images, sound recordings, and photographs. About 80% of the records at the facility were open to the public.
The facility is becoming a restricted-access federal facility, according to the following announcement which was posted on June 24, 2025, but has since been taken down.
“Restricted-Access Federal Facility, Effective July 7, 2025: 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. Security officers will enforce these restrictions, and your cooperation is appreciated.”
President Joe Biden nominated Colleen Joy Shogan for the position of Archivists of the United States in August 2022, and she was confirmed and sworn in by the Senate (as all Archivists of the US are required to be) in May 2023. She was the first woman to hold the position permanently.
On January 6, 2025, then President-elect Donald Trump stated that he intended to replace Shogan and on February 7, 2025, it was reported that Shogan had been fired as the national archivist.
Marco Rubio has been Acting Archivist of the United States since February 16, 2025.
Illustrations, from above: Announcement posted to National Archives website; and the Archives II building in College Park, MD.
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