Kenneth Eugene Harris

Kenneth Eugene Harris was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma on November 1, 1943, to James Reuben and Lucretia May Harris. Ken earned his B.A. in 1965 and M.A. in 1967, both from Oklahoma State University, where his major fields of study were history and historiography.

Ken began his career in 1968 at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), where he met his beloved wife of 53 years, Suzanne A. Harris. It was love at first sight, and they were married nine months later in May 1969. They raised their sons and lived in Alexandria, Virginia for over 50 years.

After 22 years serving as Chief of Conservation and Director of Preservation Policy at NARA, Ken transitioned to the Library of Congress in 1990, where he served as Director of Preservation until his retirement.

During his 42 years of Federal service, Ken played a crucial role in preserving some of our nation’s most important documents, including the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution. He led the Library of Congress’ Mass Deacidification Program, extending the useful life of the Library’s collections by 300 to 1,000 years. Ken received a Presidential Commendation for service in 1977-78.

Ken was a voracious reader and a deeply faith-filled spirit. When not reading a book about history or religion, you could usually find him spending time with his wife, Suzy, as the two were inseparable. They were proudest of their three sons – Christian Andrew (born 1973), Justin Prescott (1976), and Nicholas Alexander (1981) – and nine grandchildren.

Known as “Pépé” and “Mémé” to their loved ones, he and Suzy were a constant presence in their grandkids’ lives. To quote one of Ken’s favorite historical figures, Sir Winston Churchill, “There is no doubt that it is around the family and the home that all the greatest virtues, the most dominating virtues of human, are created, strengthened and maintained.” Ken’s piety and love for his wife, sons, and grandchildren will make him an everlasting part of the Harris family for decades to come.

Ken will best be remembered by administering the sign of the cross on his sons’ foreheads each night before bed, his firm handshake, sense of humor, storytelling, big hugs, and ability to answer every question on the show Jeopardy correctly without hesitation. Between his bow tie and Harris Tweed coat collection, studious glasses, gray hair and beard, vintage English pipe he occasionally enjoyed earlier in life, and white lab coat he’d wear when working with chemists to preserve historical documents, he looked every part historian and archivist.

Ken is survived by their three sons – Christian (Megan), and his sons Aidan and Evan – Justin (Kerri), his daughter Carter and sons Walker and Landon – as well as Nicholas (Anna), his daughter Clare and three sons, Hayes, Tompson, and Carr. Ken was predeceased by his wife, Suzanne A. Harris, and older brother, Ronald Harris, and survived by his younger sister, Kalen May, and younger brother David Harris.

The Basilica of St. Mary will celebrate a funeral Mass in Ken’s honor at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday June 11, 2025. A reception will follow at the Belle Haven Country Club, 6023 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria, VA 22307 from 11:45AM-2:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Basilica of Saint Mary, 310 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.