Guardians of History: The Role of National Archives

On Sunday night, 60 Minutes looks into the synthetic opioid fentanyl crisis, exploring its devastating impact on American communities. Bill Whitaker investigates the root causes, from prescription opioids to the Mexican cartels’ involvement in the illicit fentanyl market. Norah O’Donnell gains rare access to the National Archives, where she explores the nation’s most precious documents and artifacts. From oaths of allegiance signed by historical figures like George Washington and Alexander Hamilton to Adolf Hitler’s will and President Nixon’s resignation letter, O’Donnell looks into the Archives’ rich history. She also speaks to the recordkeepers, emphasizing the vital role they play in preserving presidential papers. The episode also covers the National Archives’ past, present, and future, including an exciting announcement: the Emancipation Proclamation and the 19th Amendment will be permanently displayed in the Archives’ Rotunda in Washington in 2026, joining other iconic documents like the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights in time for America’s 250th birthday.

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