Navigating the Archives at NARA: A Comprehensive Guide for Researchers

Are you a researcher diving into the vast collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)? Understanding the unique challenges and benefits of working with NARA's archives can significantly enhance your research process. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of what to expect when exploring NARA's holdings, with a focus on its Archive I and Archives II, as well as some of the peculiarities of the archival process.

Introduction to NARA

The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is a vast repository of federal government records, spanning a wide range of historical periods and topics. NARA operates out of two main buildings: Archive I in the heart of Washington, D.C., and Archives II in College Park, Maryland. You can reach these buildings via a convenient hourly shuttle bus service between the two locations.

Security and Access

Accessing NARA's collections requires rigorous security measures, similar to those found in an airport. If you need to visit, ensure you have a valid NARA reader's card, which can be obtained by providing your valid government-issued ID and signing the required documentation. The security protocols are designed to protect the integrity of the archival materials.

Materials and Organization

Landing in NARA's holdings is like stepping into a treasure trove of untold stories. Unlike other archives, NARA's material is often not systematically sorted or thoroughly inventoried before filing. This means you may encounter surprises in the boxes you request, from redundant documents to rich sets of correspondence.

The classification system at NARA is anything but straightforward. While the Record Group (RG) number is a starting point, the Box and folder numbering can be inconsistent and reused by different agencies. This can make citations cumbersome. Many researchers take shortcuts, which can lead to difficulty in tracing the exact documents they refer to.

Researchers' Experience and Challenges

Despite the challenges, the facilities at NARA are designed to be comfortable and conducive to research. Requested files are brought up several times a day, though not instantaneously. NARA operates on an 'on demand' basis, which you can adapt to by submitting your requests in advance.

However, one of the biggest hurdles in NARA research is the sheer complexity of finding items. You may need to know the Record Group and the Archive box numbers to locate an item with relative ease. For more complex searches, the process can be extremely frustrating. For example, while researching the development of helicopters in the U.S. Navy, I had to spend hours exploring Bureau of Aeronautics correspondence files to find a letter signed by Chief of Naval Operations Ernest King assigning the task of developing helicopters as combat systems to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The lack of a standardized subject identification code (SSID) for helicopters at the time meant that I had to compete against multiple filing systems and unstated policies. Every document could be filed in different ways, depending on the specific context and the author's preferences.

Locating and Ordering Files

The process of locating and ordering files can be confusing. Archive I and Archives II both have their own record and collection systems, making the task even more complicated. To complicate matters further, files are ordered by location number, which can be unstable and imprecise. This means that any citation based on this system will be unreliable.

Conclusion

Despite the challenges, NARA's archives offer unparalleled opportunities for researchers seeking primary sources. By understanding the unique organization and access protocols, you can navigate these records more effectively. Whether you are just starting your research or have years of experience, NARA remains an invaluable resource for those seeking to explore American history and government.