The following information on obtaining public records could contain a wealth of information for your family roots. The lady who shared it with me had a grandfather who worked on the Panama Canal in the early 1900's. Her request for information took some time as it had to be redirected to other agencies but the final outcome was worth it. Here's what she told me she received.... My grandfather's file contained his original application to the Isthmian Canal Commission, in his own hand; letters of recommendation, a complete record of his employment up to the time of his application to the Commission, and a lot of other copies of documents relevant to his employment. He worked in Panama less than one year (returning upon the birth of my father), but still his file contained a great deal of correspondence. Hope this helps !!! National Personnel Records Center, St. Louis Civilian Personnel Records Services for the Public Official Personnel Folders (OPFs) The NPRC, CPR stores official personnel folders (OPFs) of former civilian employees from most Federal agencies world-wide. The records date from the mid-nineteenth century to the present. OPFs are retired to the center within 120 days after separation from Federal employment. To request information from an OPF, follow the steps below. STEP 1 - Provide written authorization. a.. If you are the subject of the file, send a signed letter indicating that you are requesting information from your own file. b.. If you are not the subject of the file and the subject is living, send a letter signed by the subject indicating that he/she authorizes the NPRC, CPR to release information to you. c.. If the subject of the file is deceased send proof of the subject's death. Proof of death is not required if the subject of record was born more than 100 years ago. STEP 2 - Provide information needed so that the NPRC, CPR can identify the file. Lack of following information may result in our inability to identify a record. a.. Full name used during Federal employment b.. Date of birth c.. Social Security number, if applicable d.. Name of employing Federal agency e.. Beginning date of Federal service f.. Ending date of Federal service STEP 3 - Identify the documents or information needed and explain the purpose of your request. STEP 4 - Mail to: National Personnel Records Center Civilian Personnel Records 111 Winnebago Street St. Louis, MO 63118-4126 Other Sources of Civilian Personnel Information For information on retirement benefits write to: Office of Personnel Management Employee Service and Records Center Boyers, Pennsylvania 16017 For information on reinstatement to Federal employment write to: Office of Personnel Management Employment Service 1900 E Street, NW Washington, DC 20415-9600 For information on U.S. Postal Employee medical folders write to: National Medical Director, Office of Safety and Health Employee Relations Department U.S. Postal Service Headquarters 475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW Washington, DC 20206-4261 For information on genealogy go to NARA's The Genealogy Page.