Guided Research Topics for U.S. Coast Guard Records
This page offers a selection of introductory research topics relating to the United States (U.S.) Coast Guard. The information and advice provided for each topic will help you construct your research plan.
When beginning your research into the U.S. Coast Guard and its preceding agencies, it is important to consider how agencies maintained their records. The Coast Guard, like other military agencies, arranged records by names of commands, command designations, subject (i.e., name or Coast Guard Filing Manual classifications), and date. Available records include administrative and correspondence files, as well as unit operational and personnel records.
Start by learning how to use the National Archives Catalog. The National Archives Catalog provides details about Coast Guard record series and features select finding aids.
Topical Page Categories
- How to use archival materials for U.S. Coast Guard history
- Arctic patrols
- Coast Guard aviation
- Coastal patrols
- Environmental response
- Ethnic studies
- Information for veterans
- Merchant marine regulation
- Pirates and smugglers
- Safety on lakes and rivers
- Search and rescue
- Shipwrecks
- SPARS
- Splinter Fleet