Research & Records
Researching the Department's records requires careful planning. Records are not maintained in a single location but are found at numerous DOE sites across the country. Most recent records--and significant numbers of older collections--remain in the custody of DOE's program offices and field sites and are not readily accessible. The vast majority of older records, which were routine and of only temporary value, have been destroyed under National Archives and Records Administration-approved disposition schedules as part of the normal records management process. Many permanent records from the DOE's predecessor agencies, such as the Manhattan Engineer District and the Atomic Energy Commission, are at the National Archives and Records Administration.
The History Office's Guide to Researching the Department of Energy's Records provides a starting point for researchers. The guide briefly covers what types of records are available, how those records can be located, and how they can be accessed. The guide offers helpful suggestions for conducting research and provides links to additional resources, including research and finding aids. A brief overview of the primary research facilities and most significant links is provided at Quick Reference to DOE's Historical Records.
The History Office maintains the Department of Energy Historical Research Center. The DOE Historical Research Center contains over 3,000 cubic feet of headquarters historic records that have not yet been turned over to the National Archives and Records Administration. The center houses primarily records of predecessor agencies such as the Atomic Energy Commission and the Energy Research and Development Administration. Although some materials are still security classified, most records are accessible to the public by appointment.
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