Who / What
The Office of the Historian is an office of the United States Department of State located within the Foreign Service Institute. It is legally responsible 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, and it researches and writes historical studies on aspects of U.S. diplomacy for use by Department of State employees and the public.
Background & History
The Office was established as part of the Department of State to provide a central repository for the nation's foreign policy documents. It operates under the auspices of the Foreign Service Institute, the State Department’s main training institution. The Office’s mandate includes ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and accessibility of the historical record, a role it has carried out since its inception.
Why Notable
By compiling the *Foreign Relations of the United States* series, the Office offers scholars, policymakers, and the public authoritative access to primary source documents that shape understanding of U.S. diplomacy. Its research informs policy analysis and historical interpretation, reinforcing transparency and accountability in foreign affairs. The Office’s work preserves institutional memory and supports informed decision‑making within the State Department and beyond.
In the News
The Office continues to update and publish its historic series online, maintaining its relevance as a vital resource for contemporary scholars and officials. Recent efforts focus on digitization and expanding public access to archived materials, underscoring its ongoing commitment to preserving U.S. diplomatic history.
