James B. Rhoads facts for kids

Quick facts for kids James B. Rhoads
James B. Rhoads, Fifth Archivist of the United States
5th Archivist of the United States
In office (acting)March 10, 1968 - May 2, 1968 – August 31, 1979
President	Lyndon B. Johnson Richard Nixon Gerald Ford Jimmy Carter
Preceded by	Robert H. Bahmer
Succeeded by	James E. O'Neill
Personal details
Born	(1928-09-17)September 17, 1928 Sioux City, Iowa
Died	April 7, 2015(2015-04-07) (aged 86) Leavenworth, Kansas
Spouse	Sadie Angela Handy

James "Bert" Rhoads (center), the fifth Archivist of the United States smiles as he stands in the middle of family and GSA leadership. From left to right: Joe Moody, Deputy Administrator of General Services Administration (GSA); Mr. Lawson Knott, Administrator, GSA; Mrs. Rhoads, and his eldest daughter, Cynthia Rhoads. His younger children Marcia and James, Jr., stand in the front. (May 2, 1968)

James Berton "Bert" Rhoads (born September 17, 1928 – died April 7, 2015) was a very important person who helped protect America's history. He served as the fifth Archivist of the United States. An Archivist is like a chief librarian for historical documents. They make sure important papers, photos, and records are kept safe for future generations.

James Rhoads was born in Sioux City, Iowa. He studied at the University of California at Berkeley, getting his first degree in 1950 and a master's degree in 1952. Later, he earned his Ph.D. in History from American University in Washington, D.C., in 1965. He started working at the National Archives in 1952 and became the head Archivist in 1968.

A Career in History: James Rhoads's Journey

James B. Rhoads began his work at the National Archives in 1952. He held many different jobs there. In 1966, he became the Deputy Archivist, helping the main Archivist, Robert H. Bahmer.

Becoming the Chief Archivist

On March 10, 1968, James Rhoads became the Acting Archivist. This meant he was temporarily in charge. Then, on May 2, 1968, he was officially named the fifth Archivist of the United States. He held this important role until August 31, 1979.

Key Achievements as Archivist

During Rhoads's time as Archivist, several important things happened:

• The National Archives started publishing Prologue. This is a quarterly magazine that shares stories and information about American history.
• The system of regional archives grew. This meant more places across the country could store and protect historical records.
• Many Americans became very interested in their family history. This led to a huge increase in people visiting the National Archives to research their ancestors.

Working with Archivists Worldwide

James Rhoads also encouraged archivists from different countries to work together. He was very involved with the International Council on Archives (ICA).

• In 1972, he led the U.S. team to an ICA meeting in Moscow.
• At that meeting, he was chosen as a vice president. This meant he helped plan the next big meeting.
• The next meeting was held in Washington, D.C., in 1976. This was a special year because it was also America's 200th birthday!
• Rhoads then served as the president of the ICA from 1976 to 1979.

After the National Archives

After leaving the National Archives in 1979, Rhoads shared his knowledge by teaching. He taught at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington, before he retired.

Leadership in Archivist Groups

Rhoads was also a leader in groups for archivists in America:

• He was named a Distinguished Fellow of the Society of American Archivists in 1966.
• He served as the president of this society from 1974 to 1975.
• He was also a council member from 1970 to 1973.
• Later, he was president of the Academy of Certified Archivists from 1992 to 1994.

Personal Life and Family

James Rhoads was married for 59 years to Sadie Angela (Handy) Rhoads. She was known as Angela. Angela passed away on January 8, 2007. They had three children together: Cynthia, James, and Marcia. James Rhoads passed away on April 7, 2015, in Leavenworth, Kansas.