Office of the Historian

The Office of the Historian is responsible, under law, for the preparation and publication of the official historical documentary record of U.S. foreign policy in the Foreign Relations of the United States series. It researches and writes historical studies on aspects of U.S. diplomacy for use by policymakers in the Department and in other agencies as well for public information. The office also makes recommendations to other bureaus regarding the identification, maintenance, and long-term preservation of important historical diplomatic records. Its outreach activities include participating in the planning and installation of the historical components of the planned United States Center for Diplomacy in the Department, counseling private scholars and journalists on historical research issues, and responding to government and public inquiries on diplomatic history questions.