Microfilm and Other Micrographic Formats
- Information About Holdings
- Where Records are Located
- Online Resources for information about the records and where to find them
- Microfilm Catalog
- Captured German and Related Records on Microform in the National Archives [HTML] [PDF, 16 pages]
- Specific and Genealogy Related
- Microfilm Pamphlets and Roll Lists
- New NARA Microfilm Publications Issued
- Federal Records Guide
- Archival Holdings Guides and Finding Aids of the Regions
- How to Obtain Copies
- Contact Us
Information About Holdings
National Archives holdings include records on microfilm reels, microfiche, and a number of other micrographic formats. These records were either transferred to NARA by the originating agency in that form or converted by NARA for the convenience of preservation and reference of the original record. The latter are released by NARA as part of its Microfilm Publication Program.
Where Microfilm Records are Located:
Washington, DC Area FacilitiesResearchers may view the microfilm on-site in the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C. and in College Park, Maryland. The microfilm records located at the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C. are primarily of interest to genealogists.
Regional Archives
Please contact the Regions directly for information about their holdings. Also see each region's Guide to Archival Holdings, which are online and linked to from the Finding Aids page.
Presidential Libraries
Please contact the Presidential Libraries directly for information about their holdings.
Online Resources for information about the records and where to find them
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Microfilm Catalogs and Finding Aids
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General
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Microfilm Catalog
The Microfilm Publications Catalog is a searchable web database of NARA's almost 3,400 numbered microfilm publications. The described publications include those created by or purchased by NARA for researcher use.
Researchers may also purchase microfilm rolls online.
- National Archives Microfilm Resources for Research: A Comprehensive Catalog (1996).
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Guide to Federal Records in the National Archives of
the United States. 3 vols. (1995).
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Microfilm Catalog
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Specific and Genealogy Related
Please visit the NARA Genealogy Section for further information about available publications.
- Genealogical and Biographical Research: A Select Catalog of NARA Microfilm Publications
- The Federal Population Censuses: Catalogs of NARA Microfilm
- Immigration and Passenger Lists: A Select Catalog of NARA Microfilm Publications
- Military Service Records: A Select Catalog of NARA Microfilm Publications
- American Indians: A Select Catalog of NARA Microfilm Publications
- Black Studies: A Select Catalog of NARA Microfilm Publications
- Diplomatic Records: A Select Catalog of NARA Microfilm Publications
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Federal Court Records:
A Select Catalog of NARA Microfilm Publications
To search these catalogs online:- From the main Microfilm Catalog page, click Advanced Search (next to the Search button)
- In the righthand column, under Subject Catalog, select the catalog by name
- Hit "Search"
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Microfilm Pamphlets and Roll Lists
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Most of NARA's microfilm publication roll lists and descriptive pamphlets
are online. By searching in the Microfilm Publications Catalog, you will be able to find out if a roll
list or descriptive pamphlet is available and download it. You can also contact
one of the NARA Units listed in the Viewing Location field(s) of the
microfilm publication description to find out how to get a copy of the
descriptive pamphlet or roll list.
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Most of NARA's microfilm publication roll lists and descriptive pamphlets
are online. By searching in the Microfilm Publications Catalog, you will be able to find out if a roll
list or descriptive pamphlet is available and download it. You can also contact
one of the NARA Units listed in the Viewing Location field(s) of the
microfilm publication description to find out how to get a copy of the
descriptive pamphlet or roll list.
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General
Other Resources
- New NARA Microfilm Publications Issued
- Search and purchase microfilm rolls
online
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Rent Microfilm from NARA's Rental Program
- Send us your request.
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