State Department Records in the National Archives
- Introduction
- I. Central File (Record Group 59)
- II. Office Files, or "Lot Files" (Record Group 59)
- III. Foreign Service Post Files (Record Group 84)
- IV. Other Record Groups (for specialized topics)
- How to Access the Records
How to Access the Records
Are State Department documents online in ARC?
- No. Most records in ARC are described at a higher (more general) level. However, some individual items, such as the Zimmermann Telegram in 1917 and Fidel Castro's letter to President Franklin Roosevelt in 1940, have been digitized and are available through ARC.
ARC (Archival Research Catalog)
ARC provides a description of archival holdings by record group, collection, series, and in some cases down to the file units and individual item level. Access ARC at http://www.archives.gov/research/arc/
Germany. A line of people with baggage in front of a pile of building rubble, ca. 1948 - ca. 1955. ARC Identifier: 541694
(Special Media Archives Services Division, National Archives at College Park, MD)
Write to Us
National Archives staff are available to do limited research and to answer
specific questions.
Mail your request to:
Civilian Reference (NWCTC), Room 2600,
National Archives at College Park,
8601 Adelphi Road,
College Park, MD 20740-6001,
By e-mail: Contact Us
If you send enough information, we may be able to make a specific search and provide information for ordering copies.
Microfilm
Many of the records series of State Department records have been microfilmed, and are available for review at the National Archives. All the microfilm are available at the National Archives in College Park, Maryland. Copies of selected microfilm are also available in the Regional Archives. Check the Microfilm Catalog to find out which locations besides College Park have which microfilm. Microfilm is also available for purchase.
See also the
Diplomatic Records Microfilm Catalog for
more information.
To Search the catalog online:
- From the main Microfilm Catalog page, click Advanced Search (next to the Search button)
- In the righthand column, under Subject Catalog, select "Diplomatic Records"
- Enter any related Subject Terms in the line above, such as a country name
- Hit "Search"
For more information, Contact Us
Visit NARA
Most of the State Department records are located in the National Archives at College Park, Maryland.
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