Genealogy: How to Use the Archives
Getting Started
Come on in and start your research by searching our databases or using our microfilm.
- No appointment is needed
- If microfilm other than Census, Naturalization, and Passenger Lists is desired, call (212) 401- 1620, or toll-free at 1-866-840-1752 before visiting to ensure that records are available.
- Sign up for microfilm reader or computer when you arrive
- Use only one roll of microfilm at a time
- Cell phones must be turned off in the research room
- Eating, drinking, and smoking are not allowed in the research room
- Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult
Researcher identification Card
When you come to a National Archives and Records Administration facility to look at records, you will be issued a researcher identification card.
To obtain a researcher identification card, an applicant must
Your researcher identification card will be valid for one year.
- show official identification that includes a photograph. A driver's license, passport, school, and employment identification are among the acceptable IDs.
- show proof of address. In cases where the address on the photo ID is no longer correct, proof of address from another official source must be provided, such as a voter registration card or motor vehicle registration.
- complete a short form giving full name, permanent address, telephone number, and a brief description of the proposed research topic.
- It must be presented during each research visit.
- If you forget or lose your card, talk to the staff when you arrive.
For Beginners
Begin your research with the Federal Population Census, 1790 - 1930.
Information found in these records includes:- A record of the family at the time of the census
- Immigration information (1900, 1910, 1920, & 1930)
- Naturalization information (1920, 1930)
It is also helpful to bring a pedigree chart.
Self-Service Equipment
The following self-service equipment is available to aid your research:
- About 20 microfilm readers
- 9 Internet access computers linked to 2 printers
- Access to popular genealogy web sites, including Ancestry and Heritage Quest, and their databases
- 2 stand-alone computer terminals with access to genealogy databases and CD-ROMs
- 3 microfilm reader/printers
- Self-service microfilm copies are $.50 per page
- If you require certified copies of microfilm records, you must ask staff for assistance. There is an additional $15 fee per certification.
- 2 paper photocopy machines
Reproductions
- Self-service copies of paper records are $.20 per page
- Paper copies made by National Archives staff are $.75 per page. Please note that if you require a certified copy of a record, staff must make the copies.
- We can certify copies of records at a cost of $15 per certification, in addition to copying costs at $.75 per page for paper records.
- Copies of microfilm can be made at self-service copiers at $.50 per page. If you require certified copies of microfilm records, you must ask staff for assistance. There is an additional $15 fee per certification.
- In some cases, the age or physical condition of documents may not allow reproduction. You are welcome to bring cameras or portable scanners.
