For Students
Introduction
Federal archival microfilm located at Pittsfield contains a wealth of primary source material that can be useful for student research of many kinds. These records have been used by students as the foundation of extensive research projects, as a resource for answering or illustrating specific questions, and for supplementing other sources.
We have microfilmed records covering all the New England states beginning with the Revolutionary War. These records are especially useful for exploring regional aspects of historical events.
Typical types of federal records at Pittsfield and examples:
- Records about individuals (census records, tax records, draft records, naturalization records)
- Administrative records (Bureau of Land Management correspondence, War Department correspondence, the records of the Continental Congress, or Civil War Battle Lists)
- Records that document an action or process (application cards for the Five Civilized Tribes and the Eastern Cherokee, or Post Office site reports)
- Records with legal or evidential value (Amistad, Trial of Aaron Burr, court martial records, proceedings of the court of inquiry Battle of Little Big Horn)
- Records that document activities related to major historical events (JFK Assassination numbered documents, MA 54th records)
For more information and ideas about topics that can be researched at NARA, see Research by Selected Topic at http://www.archives.gov/research/topics.html
How to Find Material for Research
- Learn how to Get Started
doing research at NARA facilities at
http://www.archives.gov/research/start/.
- For help with concepts and terms unique to archival research, see
Research Tips at
http://www.archives.gov/education/research/tips.html
- The archives staff can help. Call 413-236-3604 or
email
pittsfield.archives@nara.gov and be ready to explain your topic, including the time period, geographic location, and what you hope to be able to find.
Student Resources Beyond Research
- How to cite NARA records:
http://www.archives.gov/publications/general-info-leaflets/17.html - High school history students: Learn about National History Day and find out what you can do with your research. National Archives staff also help to judge contests in every New England state, and award "Best Use of Primary Resources" certificates.
- Apply for an Internship: gain valuable practical experience from volunteering and internships at Pittsfield
- Learn more about NARA and why it keeps federal records at: http://www.archives.gov/about/
