San Bruno, CA – Congressman Kevin Mullin issued the following statement in response to the National Archives and Records Administration’s (NARA) announcement that it plans to close the National Archives at San Francisco, which is located in San Bruno, CA.

“I am very concerned by the planned closure of the National Archives in San Bruno, which is one of just 16 public facilities across America and an incredible historic resource in our community.  

Earlier this year, I met with the local staff while touring the Archives and was very impressed by this federal asset that is open to the public. There are over 750,000 records from across the West Coast housed in San Bruno, and these are unique documents that if lost, would be gone forever. That’s why it is so crucial that any decisions about the facility are fully vetted and local staff are consulted directly. I have concerns about the short 2-to-3 year timeline NARA has given for its closure and whether this is enough time to ensure these unique documents are properly tracked and transferred safely.

These aren’t just boxes of paper – it’s tangible and critical information for the public. Families whose ancestors immigrated through Angel Island can track their lineage, those whose loved ones served in the Navy and were stationed in the Pacific can learn about their legacy, and Native Americans whose history is documented over generations are all able to learn more because of this facility.

While I appreciate that there are efforts to digitize and modernize records, I am calling for more transparency around the decision to close this site and I will be doing everything I can to ensure preserving history and maintaining public access is prioritized moving forward.”

Check out my recent tour to the archives:

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