What is the “new model,” for the Barack Obama Presidential Library? How is this different from other Presidential Libraries?
The Barack Obama Presidential Library will be the first fully digital presidential library. NARA and the Obama Foundation had intended to work together to digitize the unclassified textual Presidential records to create a digital archive. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted these plans.
With the Obama Presidential records becoming subject to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests on January 20, 2022, NARA will process textual records in a traditional manner, with archival staff processing responsive textual records requested via FOIA from the textual record. NARA will then digitize these processed records in the same manner records are digitized at other Presidential Libraries as part of the FOIA review and access process. Digitization of these processed records will occur after review/notification has been completed. The paper records will continue to be preserved as permanent records after digitization is complete.
Under the Presidential Libraries Act of 1955, amended in 1986, the Obama Foundation is not required to provide NARA with a building for the records and our staff.
NARA maintains legal and physical custody of the records and artifacts. After digitization, NARA will store and preserve the original unclassified materials at an existing NARA facility. The classified records have been moved to the National Archives at College Park, MD. A substantial number of items (records and artifacts) on display at the Obama Presidential Center will be loaned to the Obama Foundation by NARA.
Further information is available via NARA's website Information about New Model for Obama Presidential Library page.
Are there exhibits open to the public at the Barack Obama Presidential Library site?
No. At this time, there are no plans to exhibit items at the Barack Obama Presidential Library site in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.
Who do I contact about a loan request or an offer to donate?
Please send an email to obama.library@nara.gov and include “Artifact Collection,” in the subject line so your inquiry can be directed to the artifact staff for a response.
How do I write to President Barack Obama?
President and Mrs. Obama do NOT maintain an office at the Barack Obama Presidential Library. Mail addressed to President or Mrs. Obama delivered to the Barack Obama Presidential Library will be returned to the sender. All general requests, including congratulatory or retirement letters, scheduling requests, or media inquiries, should be sent to the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama at the following address:
Office of Barack and Michelle Obama
P.O. Box 91000
Washington, DC 20066
How do I submit an invitation for President Obama to speak to my organization?
Office of Barack and Michelle Obama
P.O. Box 91000
Washington, DC 20066
Where can I find information about the Obama Foundation?
Media: press@obama.org
Specific questions can be submitted to the Obama Foundation through their website at https://www.obama.org/contact-us/.
When can I visit the Obama Presidential Center?
The Obama Foundation is constructing the Obama Presidential Center on Chicago’s South Side in Jackson Park. The Center will be a privately operated, non-federal organization. NARA will NOT have a presence at this facility.
For the most current information on the Obama Presidential Center, visit www.obama.org.
Who should I contact if I am interested in Vice President Joe Biden’s official records?
Vice President Joe Biden’s records are housed at the National Archives and Records Administration in Washington, DC. These records became subject to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests on January 20, 2022. For more information on the records of Vice President Biden please contact the Archival Operations Division at the National Archives and Records Administration in Washington, DC. at:
Archival Operations Division - Vice Presidential Materials
National Archives and Records Administration
700 Pennsylvania Avenue, Room G-7
Washington, DC 20408
presidential.materials@nara.gov