Charles Lindbergh Jr., New York Daily News, 5/12/1932.

By Miriam Kleiman, Public Affairs

On March 1, 1932, 20 month-old Charles, Jr. was taken from his crib. For 10 long weeks, the nation hoped and prayed for the baby's safe return.

LINDBERGH BABY FOUND DEAD #OTD 1932

Called the "crime of the century," the kidnapping and murder of Charles Lindbergh Jr. shocked and horrified the country and the world, as "Lucky Lindy" became the face of tragedy.

The National Archives holds tens of thousands of related records, including nearly 30,000 pages from the FBI investigation of the kidnapping, in addition to records of the subsequent arrest, trial, and execution of Bruno Hauptmann. The files include letters, memoranda, telegrams, and press clippings dating from the 1930s to 1982!

DON'T RELEASE AL CAPONE FROM JAIL TO AID SEARCH!

Petition from Citizens of Mitchell, SD, urging President Hoover not to release Al Capone, despite his stated willingness -- given his gangster connections -- to help with the search. Department of Justice Criminal Division, 4/26/1932. NARA ID 595053.

Congressman appeals "on bended knee" for baby's safe return:

Congressman Charles A. Karch (D-IL), from the Congressional Record, 3/9/1932, NARA ID 34382871.

Related interesting fact! Scenes from HBO's Lindbergh-based Plot Against America were filmed outside the National Archives, as were scenes from (unrelated) Wonder Woman 1984!

See also:

"Lessons of the Lindbergh Case," Radio Address by Attorney General Homer Cummings, 9/22/1934.

Charles Lindbergh's Official Military Personnel File, NARA ID 57294439