Resources for the General Public

General Public

Home General Public

Resources for the General Public

We have more than 9 billion paper records, 30 million photographs and close to t3 million maps and charts, all stored in more than 30 buildings around the country.

These historical documents are available to you in our exhibits and research rooms. Some are on this web site. Visit America's Historical Documents

People Are Asking Us About...

Planning Your Visit

New to the Archives?

Presidential Libraries

Unique centers for the study of the American Presidency hold something special for everyone.

Learn More

Watch an American Conversation Now!

Informal conversations between the Archivist and people who've shaped the dialogue about the interpretation and use of American heritage can be viewed now from your desktop:

John Hope Franklin
The Historian and the African American Experience

Ken Burns
Discussion of his work and his current project, The War

Lindy Boggs and Cokie Roberts
Two Generations of an American Political Family.

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Life as First Lady, Senator, and best-selling author

All American Conversations with the Archivist

Prologue: NARA's Quarterly Magazine

Fall 2009 Highlights:

Face to Face with History
A rare photograph of an African American Union surgeon is discovered among the pension records in the Natinal Archives.

"I Wish to Acknowledge"
Over the years many archivists have helped Pulitzer Prize–winning authors, and less prolific writers research their works. Learn the stories behind the books.

The Congressional Archives
The Center for Legislative Archives maintains the records of both houses Congress, and holds a few surprises as well.

The Rotunda and the National Archives Experience in Washington, DC, will open to the public at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 15 and remain open until 5:30 p.m. Winter hours of 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. resume on Wednesday, December 16.