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Understanding convert to pdf excel is crucial. We explain the key benefits and show you how to do it efficiently.

convert to pdf excel: Unlocking Your Family’s Past from Dusty Pages to Organized Data

Every genealogist knows the struggle. We pore over faded documents, handwritten census records, and brittle birth certificates, desperately trying to piece together the narrative of our ancestors. These precious artifacts hold the keys to our heritage. However, transcribing them manually into a usable format feels like an endless task. This is precisely where the power to convert to pdf excel becomes an absolute game-changer for anyone dedicated to family history. It transforms static, often illegible images into dynamic, searchable, and incredibly organized data.

I’ve spent countless hours squinting at microfiche and deciphering elegant yet challenging cursive. Consequently, I understand the immense value of a streamlined process. The ability to efficiently convert to pdf excel isn’t just a technical trick; it’s a fundamental shift in how we approach genealogical research, making it far more efficient and accurate.

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Why Genealogists Absolutely Need This Conversion Power

Our journey through family history is inherently about information. We collect names, dates, places, relationships, and occupations. Historically, this meant filling out paper charts or typing everything into a word processor. However, the sheer volume of data quickly overwhelms these methods. Therefore, a more robust solution is essential.

The Challenge of Old Records: A Genealogist’s Constant Battle

Old family records, while invaluable, present unique challenges. They often come in various formats: scanned images of original documents, microfilmed pages, or even digital photographs taken at archives. Many documents contain script that is difficult to read. Furthermore, critical details might be scattered across dozens of different papers.

Think about a typical birth certificate from the late 19th century. It usually contains the child’s name, birth date, place of birth, parents’ names, and their occupations. A genealogist might have hundreds of these. Manually extracting each piece of information is painstakingly slow. Moreover, it introduces a high risk of transcription errors.

The Power of Digital Data: Making Sense of Your Ancestors’ Lives

Digital data, conversely, offers unparalleled flexibility. Once information from a document is in a spreadsheet, it can be sorted, filtered, analyzed, and cross-referenced with ease. This capability is precisely why you must learn to convert to pdf excel. It moves you from passive collection to active analysis.

Imagine being able to sort all your ancestors by birth year, or filter them by a specific county to identify migration patterns. Consider how quickly you could find all individuals with a particular surname. This kind of dynamic exploration is nearly impossible with static PDF documents. Therefore, converting these PDFs to Excel is not merely convenient; it is revolutionary for detailed genealogical work.

Understanding the ‘convert to pdf excel’ Process for Family History

At its core, the process involves taking a document saved as a Portable Document Format (PDF) and extracting its textual and tabular content into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. This sounds straightforward, but for genealogical records, there’s an additional, crucial layer: Optical Character Recognition (OCR).

What Exactly Does It Mean to Convert to PDF Excel?

When you have a PDF, it can be either a text-based PDF or an image-based PDF. Text-based PDFs allow you to select and copy text directly. Conversely, image-based PDFs are essentially pictures of text. Most historical records, especially those you’ve scanned or photographed, fall into the image-based category. Therefore, standard conversion tools won’t “see” the text.

This is where OCR technology steps in. OCR analyzes the image of the text, recognizes the characters, and converts them into machine-readable text. Only after OCR has processed an image-based PDF can a tool effectively extract data and convert to pdf excel. Therefore, OCR is an indispensable first step for genealogists working with scanned documents.

Initial Steps: Preparing Your PDFs for Optimal Conversion

Proper preparation is key to successful conversion. Poor quality source documents will always yield poor results, regardless of how good your conversion tool is. Consequently, focus on these critical initial steps.

Practical Tip: Prioritize High-Quality Scanning

Before you even think about conversion, ensure your original documents are scanned or photographed at the highest possible quality. Use a flatbed scanner if available, setting the resolution to at least 300 DPI (dots per inch), preferably 600 DPI for very old or detailed documents. Scan in grayscale or color, not just black and white, to preserve subtle details and improve OCR accuracy. Furthermore, ensure adequate lighting and minimal shadows if photographing with a camera. Sharp, clear images directly translate to better OCR results, which in turn leads to more accurate Excel data. This step truly cannot be overstated for its importance.

Practical Tip: Utilizing OCR Effectively

Once you have high-quality image PDFs, the next crucial step involves applying OCR. Many PDF editing software packages include built-in OCR capabilities. Some online tools also offer this feature. Always choose an OCR engine that supports the language of your historical documents. Moreover, if your document contains multiple languages or scripts, some advanced OCR tools can handle this. After running OCR, it’s wise to quickly review the PDF for obvious errors before proceeding to the conversion itself. This proactive review can save significant time later on, as a clean OCR output makes the Excel conversion much smoother.

Effective Methods to Convert to PDF Excel

Several pathways exist for converting your genealogical PDFs into Excel. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Consequently, understanding these differences helps you choose the best tool for your specific research needs.

Online Converters: Quick, Convenient, but with Caveats

Many websites offer free or subscription-based services to convert PDF to Excel. These are often very user-friendly. You simply upload your PDF, click a button, and download the Excel file. They can be incredibly fast for straightforward documents. However, there are significant considerations for genealogists.

Pros of Online Converters:

Speed and Simplicity: Usually very quick and require no software installation.
Accessibility: Accessible from any device with an internet connection.
Cost-Effective: Many offer a free tier for basic conversions.

Cons of Online Converters:

Data Security: Uploading sensitive family documents to third-party servers raises privacy concerns. Always verify the privacy policy.
OCR Quality: Free online tools may have less robust OCR engines, leading to more errors with old, faded text.
Formatting Loss: Complex layouts or tables might not convert perfectly, requiring extensive manual cleanup in Excel.
File Size Limits: Free versions often impose restrictions on the size or number of PDFs you can convert. If you need to compress pdf first, consider a desktop solution.

Desktop Software: Control, Security, and Advanced Features

Dedicated desktop PDF software, such as Adobe Acrobat Pro or other professional PDF editors, provides much greater control. While these typically involve a purchase, they offer a comprehensive suite of features invaluable to genealogists. Moreover, your documents remain on your computer, enhancing security.

Key Features for Genealogists in Desktop Software:

Advanced OCR: Often includes superior OCR engines capable of handling difficult text, multiple languages, and even some handwritten script with varying degrees of success.
Batch Processing: Convert multiple PDFs to Excel simultaneously, which is incredibly useful when you have dozens of census records.
Layout Preservation: Better at maintaining table structures and formatting, reducing the amount of post-conversion cleanup.
Editing Capabilities: You can edit pdf documents directly, correct OCR errors before conversion, or even organize pdf pages.
Security: Your sensitive family data never leaves your computer.

Manual Data Entry vs. Automation: Striking a Balance

No conversion process is 100% perfect, especially with historical documents. Therefore, some degree of manual review and correction is almost always necessary. The goal of using tools to convert to pdf excel is to minimize this manual effort, not eliminate it entirely. Consequently, you must find a balance.

For records with very clear, typed text, automation can be nearly flawless. However, for documents with ornate script, smudged ink, or unusual layouts, the conversion might be less accurate. In such cases, the tool acts as a powerful first pass, providing a structured starting point for your manual corrections. This approach significantly reduces your workload compared to typing everything from scratch. Moreover, it allows you to focus your precious time on interpreting the historical context rather than repetitive data entry.

A Step-by-Step Guide for Genealogists to convert to pdf excel

Let’s walk through the practical application of this powerful technique. Following these steps will significantly streamline your research, turning overwhelming stacks of documents into manageable datasets.

Step 1: Scanning Your Precious Family Documents

First and foremost, acquire high-quality digital images of your physical records. Use a scanner with at least 300 DPI resolution; 600 DPI is ideal for very old or detailed records. Save them as PDF files. Furthermore, ensure consistent file naming conventions. For instance, “1880_Census_SmithFamily_PA_Lancaster.pdf” works much better than “Scan1.pdf”. This attention to detail on the front end saves immense time later. Remember to straighten documents before scanning and clean your scanner glass for optimal clarity. This initial effort directly impacts the accuracy of subsequent steps.

Step 2: Running OCR for Accurate Text Recognition

Once you have your scanned PDFs, open them in your chosen PDF software (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Pro) or upload them to a reputable online OCR service. Initiate the OCR process. Most software will have a clear option like “Recognize Text” or “Run OCR.” After the OCR process completes, quickly review the document. Look for any glaring errors where the software clearly misinterpreted words. Some tools allow you to correct these errors within the PDF before conversion. Moreover, this pre-conversion check significantly improves the quality of your final Excel spreadsheet.

Step 3: Performing the Conversion: A Walkthrough

With your OCR’d PDF ready, the next step is the actual conversion to Excel. In most software, you’ll find an option like “Export PDF” or “Convert To.” Select “Microsoft Excel Workbook” (.xlsx) as your output format. You might have options to retain formatting or convert tables only. For genealogical data, I generally recommend trying to preserve table structures where appropriate, but be prepared for some cleanup. Moreover, if your PDF contains multiple pages, ensure the tool processes all relevant pages. Once the conversion is complete, save the new Excel file in a logical location, perhaps alongside the original PDF. This helps maintain your organized research structure.

Step 4: Refining Your Excel Data for Genealogical Use

The Excel file is now your playground for genealogical discovery. However, it will almost certainly require some cleanup and organization. This is a critical part of the process, transforming raw data into actionable insights.

Tips for Cleaning Data: Removing Duplicates, Standardizing Names

Review and Correct Errors: Go through the data row by row, comparing it against the original PDF. Correct any OCR mistakes. This is where your human eye is irreplaceable.
Standardize Entry Formats: Ensure dates are in a consistent format (e.g., YYYY-MM-DD). Standardize place names (e.g., always “Pennsylvania” instead of “PA” or “Penn.”).
Split Columns: Often, a single column from the PDF might contain multiple pieces of information (e.g., “John Smith b. 1850”). Use Excel’s “Text to Columns” feature to separate these into distinct fields (First Name, Last Name, Birth Year).
Remove Duplicates: As you combine data from multiple sources, you might encounter duplicate entries. Excel’s “Remove Duplicates” feature is incredibly useful.
Add New Columns: Create columns for information not present in the original document but relevant to your research, such as “Source Document,” “Confidence Level,” or “Notes.” Moreover, you might want to link to an original image of the document.

This data refinement stage might seem tedious, but it lays the foundation for truly powerful genealogical analysis. Furthermore, it ensures the integrity and usability of your research for years to come.

The Pros and Cons of Converting PDF to Excel for Genealogy

Every powerful tool comes with its advantages and potential drawbacks. Understanding these helps you leverage the benefits while mitigating the challenges inherent in the process to convert to pdf excel for genealogical purposes.

Pros: Why It’s Indispensable for Your Research

Enhanced Searchability: Once in Excel, you can instantly search for any name, date, or keyword across thousands of records. This vastly surpasses the limitations of searching within individual PDFs.
Superior Data Organization: Excel’s grid format provides an intuitive way to organize diverse pieces of information. You can create columns for every field imaginable, from birth dates to occupations.
Powerful Analysis Capabilities: Sort your data by any column to spot patterns, identify potential migration routes, or track surname prevalence. Filter by specific criteria to focus on particular family branches or locations.
Facilitates Data Merging: Easily combine data from various sources (census records, vital records, land deeds) into a single, cohesive database. This is critical for building comprehensive family profiles.
Reduces Manual Error: While not perfect, automated conversion, followed by careful review, introduces fewer errors than continuous manual transcription from scratch.
Long-Term Preservation: Digital, structured data is far easier to back up, migrate, and preserve for future generations compared to disparate image files.
Integration with Other Tools: Excel data can be easily imported into genealogy software, database programs, or even used to generate reports.

Cons: Potential Pitfalls and How to Overcome Them

OCR Inaccuracy: Especially with faint handwriting, old fonts, or damaged documents, OCR can make errors. This necessitates careful manual review and correction post-conversion.
Formatting Challenges: Complex tables, merged cells, or unusual layouts in the original PDF might not translate perfectly into Excel, requiring manual adjustment.
Learning Curve: Mastering OCR and Excel’s data manipulation features (like Text to Columns, VLOOKUP, etc.) requires an initial investment of time.
Software Cost: While free online tools exist, the most robust and secure solutions often come with a subscription or one-time purchase.
Data Security for Online Tools: Uploading sensitive family information to free online converters can pose a privacy risk. Always prioritize desktop software or reputable, secure online services.
Time Investment: Initial setup, OCR, conversion, and especially cleanup can be time-consuming, particularly for very large datasets or complex documents.

Despite the cons, the long-term benefits of having your genealogical data in a structured, searchable Excel format far outweigh the initial investment of time and effort. Moreover, with practice, the process becomes significantly faster and more intuitive.

Real-World Example: The Johnson Family Tree Breakthrough

Let me share a concrete example that truly highlights the power of this method. My friend, Eleanor, was researching her paternal grandmother’s line, the Johnsons, who had emigrated from Ireland in the mid-19th century. She had a stack of documents from various U.S. archives and some digital copies from Irish parish registers.

The Initial Predicament: Disjointed Records

Eleanor’s desk was covered with printouts of census records (1850-1920), passenger lists, marriage certificates, and land deeds. Each was a PDF image, some scanned, others downloaded from online archives. She had identified several “John Johnson” individuals in various locations and couldn’t confidently connect them. Some documents had inconsistent spellings, and others were nearly illegible. She felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume and disorganization. The critical task of comparing information across dozens of documents was simply too cumbersome.

The Conversion in Action: A Methodical Approach

I advised Eleanor to systematically process her documents. First, she meticulously scanned her physical documents at 600 DPI, saving each as a named PDF. Then, using her desktop PDF editor, she ran OCR on every single PDF. This included the downloaded documents and her freshly scanned ones. Consequently, many of the old script documents became “searchable” for the first time.

Next, she used the software’s “convert to excel” function for each PDF. She started with the 1880 census records, then passenger lists. The initial Excel sheets were messy, as expected, with columns needing splitting and OCR errors needing correction. However, with Excel’s “Text to Columns” and “Find and Replace” features, she quickly standardized spellings and separated data fields. She then created a master Excel workbook, using different sheets for different document types, and eventually started to merge pdf documents she’d converted, consolidating data. If she found a large PDF that contained several unrelated records, she could split pdf pages into individual documents for easier handling.

The Genealogical Breakthrough: Connections Emerge

Within a week, Eleanor had transformed over 100 PDFs into structured Excel sheets. She then used Excel’s filtering capabilities. She filtered for “Johnson” in the state of Massachusetts. Immediately, she saw multiple “John Johnson” entries. However, by adding filters for “Birth Year” and “Spouse Name,” she could quickly differentiate between them. A particular “John Johnson,” born circa 1825, consistently appeared with a wife named “Mary.” Moreover, she cross-referenced this with a passenger list, where a “John Johnson” and “Mary Murphy” (her great-great-grandmother’s maiden name!) arrived in Boston in 1848, with birth years matching. The land deeds, once opaque PDFs, revealed property acquisitions by “John Johnson” in the same county, with deeds witnessed by individuals whose names appeared in the census as neighbors. Furthermore, she even used pdf to word conversion to extract specific textual narratives for a research report.

This methodical approach, driven by the ability to convert to pdf excel, allowed Eleanor to connect disparate pieces of evidence rapidly. She confidently built a timeline and identified her direct ancestral line, solving a long-standing family mystery. The process wasn’t just about data; it was about clarity and confidence in her research findings. She later found she needed to reduce pdf size on some of the larger image PDFs to make them more manageable for sharing.

Advanced Tips for Data Management and Preservation

Once you’ve mastered the basic process of converting PDFs to Excel, you can take your genealogical data management to the next level. Advanced techniques ensure your research is robust, accessible, and future-proof.

Beyond Basic Conversion: Organizing Your Findings

Your Excel spreadsheets are now powerful repositories of family information. But don’t stop there. Utilize other PDF tools to manage your source documents effectively.

Combine Related PDFs: If you have multiple pages from the same original document (e.g., a multi-page will or a long census schedule), use a merge pdf tool to combine them into a single, cohesive PDF. This keeps your sources together.
Split Large Documents: Conversely, a single PDF might contain many unrelated records (e.g., a digitized book of vital records for an entire town). Use a split pdf tool to extract individual records into their own PDFs. This makes linking to specific sources much cleaner.
Manage File Sizes: High-resolution scans can create very large PDF files. While crucial for OCR, these can become unwieldy for storage or sharing. Use a compress pdf or reduce pdf size feature to create smaller versions for everyday use, while retaining your high-res originals.
Delete Unnecessary Pages: If a scanned PDF includes blank pages or irrelevant introductory text, use a delete pdf pages or remove pdf pages function to clean it up. This keeps your archive lean and focused.

Ensuring Data Integrity and Backups

Your genealogical data is a treasure. Treat it as such. Always implement robust backup strategies. Store your Excel files and original PDFs in multiple locations: on your computer, an external hard drive, and a cloud service (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox). Furthermore, consider using version control for your Excel files, saving dated copies periodically, so you can revert to an earlier version if a mistake is made. Data integrity means regularly reviewing your data for consistency and completeness. This systematic approach guarantees the longevity of your invaluable research.

Integrating with Other Tools for a Holistic Approach

The beauty of Excel is its interoperability. Your structured data can feed into numerous other applications:

Genealogy Software: Most dedicated genealogy programs (like Ancestry, Family Tree Maker, RootsMagic) allow you to import data from CSV or Excel files. This saves countless hours of manual data entry into your primary family tree.
Word Processors: If you’re writing family histories or narrative reports, you can easily copy and paste specific data from Excel into a Word document. You might also convert pdf to word for narrative sections of historical documents. Conversely, when preparing final reports, you might convert word to pdf for professional sharing.
Image Editing Software: Extract images of signatures or family crests from your PDFs by using pdf to jpg or pdf to png conversion and enhance them in an image editor.
Mapping Tools: With geographic coordinates in your Excel data, you can import it into mapping software to visualize ancestral migration patterns.

My Personal Take: Why I Swear By Converting PDF to Excel

I’ve been immersed in genealogy for decades. I remember the days of endless note cards and cumbersome binders. The advent of digital tools has been transformative, but few individual processes have impacted my efficiency as profoundly as the ability to convert to pdf excel. Frankly, it’s non-negotiable for serious researchers.

My personal workflow now begins almost immediately with scanning and OCR. I find that even if the OCR isn’t perfect, having any machine-readable text is a massive head start. It’s like having a rough draft that just needs editing, rather than staring at a blank page. Moreover, the sense of control you gain over your data is incredibly empowering. I can confidently say that many of my most significant genealogical breakthroughs would have been significantly delayed, if not impossible, without structured data in Excel.

It frees up mental energy. Instead of worrying about where a specific piece of information is, I know it’s in my master Excel file, searchable and organized. This allows me to focus on the truly fascinating aspects of genealogy: interpreting the stories, understanding the context, and connecting the dots of human experience. This is why I advocate so strongly for its adoption by every genealogist. It is a fundamental skill for the modern family historian.

Common Challenges and Troubleshooting When You convert to pdf excel

While powerful, the process isn’t without its quirks. Understanding common issues and how to troubleshoot them will save you frustration and improve your results. Consequently, anticipate these challenges and prepare your solutions.

Poor OCR Results: When the Computer Just Doesn’t Get It

This is probably the most frequent frustration. If your scanned document is blurry, faded, or contains complex handwriting, OCR engines struggle. Moreover, unusual fonts or archaic lettering can trip them up. The result? “Garbage text” in your Excel file.

Solution 1: Improve Source Quality: Re-scan the document at a higher DPI, or try different lighting if photographing. Sometimes, a slight adjustment to contrast can make a big difference.
Solution 2: Use Better OCR Software: Invest in a professional desktop PDF editor. Their OCR engines are typically more advanced and have better recognition algorithms than free online tools.
Solution 3: Manual Correction: Accept that some documents will require significant manual correction in Excel. The OCR still gives you a starting point, even if imperfect.
Solution 4: Language Settings: Ensure your OCR software’s language setting matches the language of the document. An English OCR engine will struggle with a German record.

Formatting Issues in Excel: The Jumbled Mess

Sometimes, the conversion results in data that’s all in one column, or cells are merged incorrectly, making your spreadsheet look like a jumbled mess. Furthermore, tables might not be correctly identified.

Solution 1: Text to Columns: Use Excel’s “Text to Columns” feature (under the Data tab) to split data that’s crammed into one cell into separate columns. Delimiters like commas, spaces, or tabs are your friends here.
Solution 2: Adjust Conversion Settings: If your software offers options during conversion (e.g., “preserve layout,” “recognize tables”), experiment with these settings. Sometimes, a simpler conversion might yield a cleaner, though less formatted, result that’s easier to clean up manually.
Solution 3: Manual Adjustment: Be prepared to manually insert rows/columns and copy-paste data to reorganize. Unfortunately, some complex tables demand this attention.
Solution 4: Consider a different tool: If one converter consistently produces poor formatting for a specific document type, try another.

Handling Large Files: The Slow Grind

Genealogical research often involves large PDFs, especially digitized books or extensive record sets. These can slow down conversion processes and consume significant storage. Moreover, they can be difficult to manage.

Solution 1: Compress PDF First: Before converting, use a compress pdf tool to reduce the file size of your image-based PDFs. This often speeds up the OCR and conversion process without compromising image quality too much for textual recognition.
Solution 2: Split PDF for Specific Records: If a large PDF contains many distinct records, use a split pdf tool to break it into smaller, more manageable files. Convert these smaller files individually.
Solution 3: Batch Processing: If using desktop software, utilize its batch processing capabilities. This allows your computer to work through many files unattended.
Solution 4: Upgrade Hardware: For very large-scale projects, consider faster RAM and an SSD hard drive, which can significantly speed up file processing.

Choosing the Right Tool: What to Look For in Your Conversion Solution

The market is flooded with PDF tools, both online and desktop-based. Making the right choice ensures efficiency and data security. Therefore, consider these critical factors when selecting your conversion solution.

Key Features for Genealogists: Prioritizing Your Needs

Robust OCR Engine: This is paramount. Look for tools that specifically highlight advanced OCR capabilities, especially for older, non-standard fonts, or even some form of handwriting recognition.
Excellent Table Recognition: Historical documents often contain tabular data. The best tools will accurately identify and convert these tables into Excel rows and columns, saving you immense manual formatting.
Batch Conversion: The ability to convert multiple PDFs simultaneously is a huge time-saver for genealogists.
Pre-Conversion Editing: Tools that allow you to edit pdf documents (e.g., correct OCR errors, rotate pages, crop unnecessary margins) before conversion lead to cleaner Excel outputs.
Integration with Other PDF Tools: A comprehensive suite that also allows you to merge pdf, split pdf, and compress pdf streamlines your entire document management workflow.
Output Quality: Look for software that consistently produces well-formatted Excel spreadsheets, minimizing post-conversion cleanup.

Security and Privacy Considerations: Protecting Your Family’s History

Your family’s history often contains sensitive personal information. Therefore, data security is non-negotiable. Always prioritize tools that offer robust privacy measures.

Desktop Software: Generally the most secure option, as your files never leave your computer unless you explicitly choose to upload them elsewhere. This is my strong preference for sensitive genealogical data.
Reputable Online Services: If using an online converter, choose a well-established service with a clear, transparent privacy policy. Look for mentions of secure servers, data encryption, and assurances that your files are not stored or shared. Avoid free, obscure websites that offer no such guarantees. Check for customer reviews and industry recognition. For example, reputable options often clarify their data handling practices, like Adobe’s privacy policy, which states how they handle document data.
GDPR Compliance: For those dealing with European records or living in Europe, consider tools that explicitly state GDPR compliance.

Making an informed decision about your conversion tool is an investment in your research’s accuracy, efficiency, and security. Consequently, choose wisely.

Conclusion: Empowering Your Genealogical Journey with convert to pdf excel

The world of genealogy is undergoing a digital revolution. No longer are we confined to painstakingly transcribing every single detail by hand. The ability to convert to pdf excel stands as a powerful testament to this evolution. It fundamentally transforms how genealogists interact with their source documents, shifting the paradigm from passive collection to active, dynamic analysis.

You now possess the knowledge to take those challenging, image-based historical records and unlock their data potential. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about accuracy, efficiency, and the sheer joy of making connections previously obscured by scattered information. Moreover, it ensures your invaluable research is organized, searchable, and preserved for future generations.

Embrace this powerful methodology. Invest in the right tools, follow the steps, and dedicate time to refining your data. Your ancestors’ stories are waiting to be told, and with Excel as your powerful ally, you are uniquely equipped to uncover them with unprecedented clarity and depth. Therefore, start converting, start analyzing, and watch your family tree flourish like never before. The journey is incredibly rewarding, and this skill empowers you to navigate it with absolute confidence. For further reading on digital preservation best practices, consider exploring resources from institutions like the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).