United States Archives and Libraries: Difference between revisions

The following record repositories have major collections and services helpful for genealogical research. The Family History Library has copies of many of the records at these archives, but most will have additional sources.  

Before you visit an archive or a library, contact the organization and ask for information on the collection, hours, services, and fees.  

'''Family History Library<br>'''35 N. West Temple Street<br>Salt Lake City, UT 84150-3400<br>Telephone: 801-240-2331<br>Fax: 801-240-1584<br>Internet address: [http://www.familysearch.org/ www.familysearch.org]<br>Email: [mailto:familyhistory@support.familysearch.org familyhistory@support.familysearch.org]  

'''National Archives<br>'''Pennsylvania Avenue at 8th Street, NW<br>Washington, D.C. 20408<br>Telephone: 202-501-5415<br>Fax: 301-713-6740<br>Internet address: [http://www.nara.gov/ www.nara.gov]  

The National Archives has a vast collection of documents created by the federal government. The records most often used by genealogists are census, military, land, and immigration records.  

Microfilm copies of many of the records at the National Archives are available at the Family History Library, other major archives and libraries, and at regional branches of the National Archives. You may purchase microfilms from the National Archives or request photocopies of the records by using forms obtained from the Archives.  

Eales, Anne Bruner and Robert M. Kvasnicka, ed. ''Guide to Genealogical Research in the National Archives of the United States''. Third Edition. Washington, DC: Nathional Archives and Records Administration, 2000. Explains records collections&nbsp;used most by&nbsp;genealogical researchers: Census, Passenger Arrivals and Border Crossings, Naturalizations, Military, Land, Native Americans, African Americans, and more.

=== National Archives—Regional Branches  ===

Regional branches of the National Archives collect records of federal government offices and courts within the area they serve. These branches are located in or near Anchorage, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Fort Worth, Kansas City, Los Angeles, New York (closing soon), Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle.

'''Genealogy and Local History Section'''<br>101 Independence Ave. at First Street, S.E.<br>Washington, D.C. 20504<br>Telephone: 202-707-5000<br>Fax: 202-707-5844<br>Internet address: [http://www.loc.gov/rr/genealogy/ www.loc.gov/rr/genealogy/]

The Genealogical and Local History Section of the Library of Congress has a very large collection of published genealogies, manuscripts, histories, directories, maps, and newspapers.  

'''National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution<br>'''1776 “D” Street N.W.<br>Washington, D.C. 20006-5392<br>Telephone: 202-879-3229<br>Fax: 202-879-3227<br>Internet address: [http://www.dar.org www.dar.org]  

'''New England Historic Genealogical Society<br>'''101 Newbury Street<br>Boston, MA 02116-3087<br>Telephone: 617-536-5740<br>Fax: 617-536-7307<br>Internet address: [http://www.newenglandancestors.org www.newenglandancestors.org]

The society's collections of New England family and local histories and manuscripts are especially helpful. Members can borrow printed resources from their lending library.

=== New York Public Library  ===

'''Local History and Genealogy Division'''<br>Fifth Avenue &amp; 42nd Street<br>New York, NY 10018<br>Telephone: 212-930-0828<br>Fax: 212-921-2546<br>Internet address: [http://www.nypl.org/ www.nypl.org]

The New York Public Library has collected many published sources, such as local histories, city directories, maps, newspapers, and genealogies.

Chicago, IL 60610-3394<br>Telephone: 312-943-9090<br>Fax: 312-255-3513<br>Internet address: [http://www.newberry.org/ www.newberry.org]

The Local History and Genealogy Collection of the Newberry Library has an extensive collection of manuscripts and published sources.

P.O. Box 2270<br>Fort Wayne, IN 48801<br>Telephone: 219-424-7241<br>Fax: 219-422-9688<br>Internet address: [http://www.acpl.lib.in.us/genealogy/index.html www.acpl.lib.in.us/genealogy/index.html]

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

*Historical Society of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) http://www.hsp.org/

*Los Angeles Public Library http://www.lapl.org/

Your local public library can help you locate these and other [[Archives and Libraries|archives]] and libraries. [[United States Directories|Directories]] include:

''American Library Directory''. 49th Edition. New York, New York: R. R. Bowker, 1996-1997. (FHL book 973 J54a 1996-1997.) Alphabetical by state and town. Lists addresses, telephone and fax numbers, and describes each library's holdings and special interests.  

Bentley, Elizabeth Petty. ''The Genealogist's Address Book''. Third Edition. Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1995. (FHL book 973 D24ben 1995.) Includes about 7,000 national, state, ethnic, religious, historical, adoption, computer interest group, and vendor addresses with telephone numbers, E-mail addresses, supervisors, and repository hours.

 

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 book 973 J54u 1988; 1978 Edition on fiche 6010080-89.) <!--{12054106989060} -->

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. Addresses are available in the state research outlines and at your public library.  

''The Handy Book for Genealogists: United States of America''. Tenth edition. Logan, Utah: Everton Publishing, 2002. (FHL book 973 D27e.) The Handy Book also lists the county seat and zip code. <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --><!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --><!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors -->

=== Historical and Genealogical Societies ===

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:  

Smith, Betty P. ''Directory of Historical Societies and Agencies in the United States and Canada''. 14th Edition. Nashville, Tennessee: American Association for State and Local History, 1990. (FHL book 970 H24d.)  

=== Federal Repository Libraries ===

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 information, such as pension lists, private land claims, veterans' burial lists, and individuals' petitions to Congress.  

=== Inventories, Registers, Catalogs ===

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.  

An example of a helpful guide is:  

Schaefer, Christina K. ''The Center: Guide to Genealogical Research in the National Capital Area''. Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1996. (FHL book 975.3 A3sc.) This describes the records and services of the National Archives, Library of Congress, Daughters of the American Revolution Library, and other repositories in the Washington, DC area.<br><!--{12053436288580} -->

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[[Category:Record_Types_of_the_United_States]]