This paper explores the value of archives and records, why they are created and maintained,and the importance of communicating their value to a broad range of individuals. It argues that promoting archives means more than just publicizing archival collections and requires the active efforts of archivists, at local, state, and national levels. It examines the role of the National Historical Publications and Records Commission in the United States and the activities it supports to promote archives. It concludes that to promote archives, archivists must understand the value of records,communicate their importance, and demonstrate their usefulness by serving the needs of many different users.