Department of Homeland Security History Office Archives

In 2004, the History Office at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) contracted with History Associates to provide on-site archival services for its new history program. Building from the ground up, History Associates designed collection and access policies, prepared a processing manual, and established an archival reference collection. Databases were created to facilitate the management of and access to oral histories, photographs, vertical files, and audiovisual materials. In coordination with the DHS records manager and the National Archives and Records Administration, History Associates developed an approved records disposition schedule for the History Office.

Over the past four years, we have maintained and expanded the DHS History Office Archives. A History Associates archivist provides reference services to DHS leaders and staff and writes a weekly column, “This Week in DHS History,” for the internal departmental newsletter.

To assist the department in celebrating its fifth anniversary, History Associates prepared several documents, including Senior Leadership: The First Five Years: 2003-2008 (a register of leadership positions with tenure dates) and Brief Documentary History of the Department of Homeland Security, 2001-2008. In 2008 we created, researched, and installed a well-received photograph exhibit about the history of the Nebraska Avenue Complex, home to the department.