The federal archives in San Bruno, California will be shutting down in two weeks.  The archive houses federal court case files which are being boxed and prepared for shipping, scanning and destruction.

Newer files are being kept and can be ordered through the federal courts.  

Older files are being destroyed after some of the main items are scanned.  Much of the filed papers ranging from motions and amendments to evidence matters are being destroyed to the chagrin of abstractors and researchers.  

The new system will allow requesting parties to place a credit card on file, then fax or email a request which will be returned in kind (that is for those who don't request the original files through the federal courts).

To our understanding this will not adversely impact PACER, the online federal case file database that most of you probably already use, as do we.

The federal archive also houses much in the way of historical documents, genealogical resources and other federal matters.  Since it is local to our area, the reams of records involving Americans of Japanese descent interred at the prison camp at Tanforan in San Bruno are a unique cultural resource.  We've not yet verified it, but I suspect that these records are being digitized too as part of the National Archives  project to offer more online historical resources.

Anyone in need of file request forms, I can shoot you one by email.  Drop me a note at BrassServices@yahoo.com and give me a business day or two to get back to ya.