Chicago National Archives Closure Will Be Loss For Historians, Researchers — Even Deep-Sea Divers

The National Archives and Records Administration plans to close its Chicago facility, which houses unique records like the Trial of the Chicago 7 transcripts and Great Lakes maritime documents. The closure, part of a broader consolidation effort, has sparked concerns among researchers, historians, and local communities about losing access to undigitized materials and institutional knowledge. The agency cites cost reduction and real estate portfolio alignment as reasons for the decision.