United States Archives and Libraries: Difference between revisions

The [http://pritzkermilitary.org Pritzker Military Museum & Library] was established in 2003 by Colonel J.N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Retired), who had assembled a major collection of books and related materials on military history, with a particular focus on the concept of the Citizen Soldier in America.  A private museum & research library, the galleries and collections are accessible to the public for a $5 daily admission and are free to PMML members.  The Museum & Library has over 45,000 books on military history including numerous unit histories with rosters and cruise books (similar to high school yearbooks) with lots of photographs.  Additionally, the reference collection includes guides to uniforms, equipment, insignia, and ships for many of the world's militaries.  The librarians enjoy working with genealogists and genealogists should see the [http://www.pritzkermilitary.org/explore/library/genealogy-research Library's Genealogy Research webpage] before visiting.  

The following libraries also have exceptional genealogical collections. These libraries collect major national sources as well as records of the states they serve.  

:*A directory of many repositories and manuscript collections is:<br>The National Historical Publications and Records Commission. ''Directory of Archives and Manuscript Repositories in the United States''. Second Edition. Phoenix, Arizona: Oryx Press, 1988. (FHL {{FHL|643768|title-id|disp=973 J54u}} 1988; 1978 Edition on fiche {{FHL|11301|title-id|disp=6010080-89}}.) <!--{12054106989060} -->

Most large universities have a special collections division of their university library. Some of these repositories have extensive collections of local and state historical documents, including many individual record collections. Carefully search the university library catalog for references to the individuals you are researching. Access to the special collections may be very restricted, so check with the library about any restrictions before visiting.  

The federal government has designated at least one library in each state (generally a major university library) to receive a copy of published federal records. These include a wide variety of topics, such as pension lists, private land claims, veterans' burial lists, and individuals' petitions to Congress.  

Each state has a state archive or a state library. Many states have both. These serve as the repositories for state and county government records. They often have some federal records as well, such as the U.S. census schedules for the state. A list of all of the state archives and libraries is kept up to date on the webpage for the [http://www.statearchivists.org/states.htm Council of State Archivists] website. Another comprehensive list of [http://sos.georgia.gov/archives/what_do_we_have/other_state_archives state archives] and their websites is available from the Georgia Secretary of State's website for anyone wanting to find a specific state archive.  

Also see the state Archives and Libraries wiki articles (links below) for more information on these and other archives in each state.  

<center>{{Archives and Libraries States}}</center> <center>'''Territories and Federal District'''</center> <center>{{Archives and Libraries Territories}}</center>  

Many of the key records essential for genealogical research were created by local county or town governments. These include court, land and property, naturalization and citizenship, probate, taxation, and vital records. The county and town courthouses are the primary repositories of these valuable records. (However, some courthouse records have been destroyed or transferred to state archives.) The Family History Library has copies of many of these important records on microfilm.  

:*''The Handy Book for Genealogists: United States of America''. Tenth edition. Logan, Utah: Everton Publishing, 2006. (FHL {{FHL|1362899|title-id|disp=973 D27e}}) ([http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/62744825 Worldcat]) The Handy Book also lists the county seat and zip code.

Historical and genealogical societies have been organized in each state, most counties, and some towns. These societies collect many valuable records and offer various helpful services to researchers. Addresses of local societies are listed in:  

:*''Directory of Historical Organizations in the United States and Canada''. 15th Edition. Nashville, Tennessee: American Association for State and Local History, 2001. (FHL {{FHL|1007248|title-id|disp=970 H24d}}) ([http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/48910178 Worldcat])

Most archives have catalogs, inventories, guides, or periodicals that describe their records and how to use them. If possible, study these guides before you visit an archive so that you can use your time more effectively. Many of these are available at the Family History Library, at your public or university library, or through interlibrary loan.