National Archives and Ancestry team up to digitize millions of records

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) has partnered with Ancestry to digitize tens of millions of historical records, significantly expanding public access to these documents. This agreement, described as the largest archive collaboration for Ancestry to date, involves digitizing collections previously unavailable online, including World War II military reports, Korean War draft cards, and immigration and naturalization records. The collaboration aims to make an initial 65.5 million records accessible on Ancestry’s platform within the next two years, eventually integrating these records into the publicly accessible National Archives database​.

This initiative builds on a longstanding partnership between NARA and Ancestry, which has been active since 2008. The new agreement includes placing Ancestry technicians and scanning machines at NARA facilities to expedite the digitization process. Key collections slated for digitization include INS passenger and crew arrival and departure lists and death notices of U.S. citizens abroad. This enhanced digitization effort is designed to overcome geographic barriers, making these valuable records accessible to researchers and families nationwide​.

The project also complements NARA's broader goal of digitizing 500 million pages of records by 2026. The digitization will take place at various National Archives facilities, including those in Denver, St. Louis, and San Bruno, with the scanning of military naturalization petitions beginning soon. This effort not only preserves historical data but also fills gaps left by past events, such as the 1973 fire that destroyed millions of military records. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to preserving and democratizing access to America’s rich historical heritage​.

For more information see Michael E. Ruane "National Archives and Ancestry team up to digitize millions of records" The Washington Post, May 9, 2024. 

Special thanks to Deborah Matthews (Virginia Estate Planning Attorney) for bringing this article to my attention.