Established in 1838, during Brazil’s assertion as an independent state, the National Archives holds a vast and diverse collection of millions of documents in various formats, with the oldest dating back to the 16th century. Its mission is to ensure public access to and sovereignty over this invaluable documentary heritage. As the central authority of the federal public administration’s Document and Archives Management System, it oversees procedures related to the different stages of archival custody, ensuring the preservation and updating of collections that are essential for understanding Brazil’s history and its relations with other nations. One of the key challenges facing the institution today is promoting broader recognition of the significance of its collections in fostering critical engagement with the actions of different segments of the Brazilian population. Additionally, there is an ongoing effort to strengthen the National Archives Policy, by supporting public, private, and community institutions.