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The National Archives at Philadelphia maintains the historically significant records of the Federal Agencies and Courts, in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia, dating from 1789 to the present. These historical records, as well as select federal bankruptcy records, are open to the public.

Hours

EXCEPT for THOSE RECORD GROUPS LISTED BELOW, due to the move of our holdings to off-site storage, we are currently unable to provide access to any other original (text) records.

In cases where the records are needed to prove rights or benefits (e.g. SSDI, USCIS hearing, Medicare) please call 215-606-0112 or send an email to philadelphia.archives@nara.gov.

As record groups become available, we will update our website and our Facebook page with that information.

AS OF 6/10/13, AVAILABLE RECORD GROUPS INCLUDE:

U.S. Housing Corporation (RG 3)

U.S. Food Administration (RG 4)

U.S. Grain Corporation (RG 5)

Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine (RG 7)

National Recovery Administration (RG 9)

Office of Education (RG 12)

Veterans Affairs (RG 15)

Office of the Secretary of Agriculture (RG 16)

Office of Animal Husbandry (RG 17)

Bureau of Ships (RG 18)

District Courts of the United States (RG 21) Naturalizations and Dockets ONLY

U.S. Fish and Wildlife (RG 22)

Bureau of Naval Personnel (RG 24)

National Labor Relations Board (RG 25)

Weather Bureau (RG 27)

Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (RG 52)

Bureau of Yards and Docks (71)

Immigration and Naturalization Service (RG 85) Includes Chinese Exclusion Act Case Files

Food and Drug Administration (RG 88)

Provost Marshal General’s Bureau, Civil War era (RG 110)

Department of Labor (RG 174)

Researchers intending to use any of the above-listed records must have a confirmed appointment. Please call or e-mail at least FIVE (5) BUSINESS days before your intended research visit, so we can retrieve your records from off-site storage.

Currently we are open without appointment to patrons who wish to use microfilm and public computers.

Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 A.M. to 4:45 P.M. and the Second Saturday of each month, 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. We are closed Sundays and Federal holidays.

Address and Contact Information

(Center City Philadelphia)

Visit us:
Chestnut Street, between 9th and 10th Sts.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Mail us:
900 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107-4292

Telephone: 215-606-0100
Fax: 215-606-0116
Email: Philadelphia.archives@nara.gov
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NARAatPhiladelphia

Directions | Hours

Directions

The facility is located on the ground level of the Nix Federal Building. Enter on the Chestnut Street side between 9th and 10th Streets.

Subway:

Market-Frankford Line. Exit at 8th Street.

Bus:

Many SEPTA and NJ Transit buses stop in the vicinity. For routes that stop at the main entrance, SEPTA buses #9, #21, #38, and #42 stop at 9th Street and Chestnut.

Rail:

All SEPTA regional rail lines and the New Jersey PATCO line have stations on Market Street between 8th and 11th.

Transit Contacts:

SEPTA, Southeastern SEPTA, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, 215-580-7800

NJ Transit, New Jersey Transit, 973-762-5100

PATCO Speedline, Delaware River Port Authority of Pennsylvania and New Jersey (DRPA), (856) 772-6900

Car:

From the north: I-95 south to Exit 22 (I-676 West/ Independence Hall/Callowhill St. exit), right on Callowhill St. at bottom of ramp. Left on 6th St. to Walnut St. Right on Walnut to 9th. Right on 9th to Chestnut St.

From the south: I-95 north to Exit 22. Left at 6th St. and proceed as above.

From the east: Benjamin Franklin Bridge to 6th St. Proceed as above.

From the west: I-76 to Exit 344 (I-676 East). I-676 east to 8th St./Chinatown exit. Right on 8th to Walnut. Right on Walnut to 9th. Right on 9th.

There is pay parking in the vicinity.

Access Requirements

Valid official photo identification, such as driver's license or passport, must be presented to the guard at the door for entry. In addition, visitors and their belongings are subject to being scanned and searched. All belongings are to be stored in a free locker near the entrance. No food is allowed, unless attending a scheduled workshop.