<P>... an important step for the National Archives to achieve its goal of becoming an archive without walls . Our new strategic plan emphasizes the importance of providing access to records anytime, anywhere . This is one of many initiatives that we are launching to make our goal a reality . For the first time, the public will be able to view this collection of rare and unusual films on the Internet ." </P> <P> On January 10, 2007, the National Archives and Fold3.com (formerly Footnote) launched a pilot project to digitize historic documents from the National Archives holdings . Allen Weinstein explained that this partnership would "allow much greater access to approximately 4.5 million pages of important documents that are currently available only in their original format or on microfilm" and "would also enhance NARA's efforts to preserve its original records ." </P> <P> In July 2007, the National Archives announced it would make copies of its collection of Universal Newsreels from 1929 to 1967 available for purchase through CreateSpace, an Amazon.com subsidiary . During the announcement, Weinstein noted that the agreement would "...reap major benefits for the public - at - large and for the National Archives ." Adding, "While the public can come to our College Park, MD research room to view films and even copy them at no charge, this new program will make our holdings much more accessible to millions of people who cannot travel to the Washington, DC area ." The agreement also calls for CreateSpace partnership to provide the National Archives with digital reference and preservation copies of the films as part of NARA's preservation program . </P> <P> In May 2008, the National Archives announced a five - year agreement to digitize selected records including the complete U.S. Federal Census Collection, 1790--1930, passenger lists from 1820--1960 and World War I and World War II draft registration cards . The partnership agreement allows for exclusive use of the digitized records by Ancestry.com for a 5 - year embargo period at which point the digital records will be turned over to the National Archives . </P>

U.s. national archives and records administration (nara)