I suggests that list users write to Eleanor Holmes Norton who is the DC representative in Congress and to Mayor Anthony Williams with their stories. I further suggest that in your communication you point out the revenue the City gets from those searching their roots. When combined with the National Records stored there it is considerable. I would also cc a copy to your own representative and to members of the House Sub committee that oversees Washington, DC. Their records search charges and copy cost are the highest I have ever experienced. I have never been to the DC Archives but am told by those who have, it is located in a very bad neighborhood. Space is limited and they wish you to make an advanced appointment. I have called to make appoints and never connected with a person on the phone. For some reason Thursday seems to be a magic day to call. AS a native Washingtonian who used to work at the main branch of the DC Library when it was on K. Street, I was appalled when I went to an event at the MLK Wasingtoniana Room a few months ago and found so few books on the shelf containing DC information. In the past few years Wesley Peppinger, CG has been compiling DC records as fast as he can. Most have been published by Willow Bend Books in Westminster, MD. The MLK had none of them and when queried as to why, I was told no money. Not only MLK but every branch library should have a full set of published records. This is our nation's capital and it should be a model for record keeping and goods and services. I hope some of you will take the time to write. After all genealogy has become a national obsession and documentation is a vital part. Both Mayor Williams and Delegate Norton have made t.v. commercials promoting DC tourism since 9/11 so point out to them the obvious, genealogy brings in $$$. Margaret Amundson, CG