Genealogists/Family Historians
The National Archives offers insight into the lives of people, their families and our history. Because the records at the National Archives come from every branch of the Federal government, almost all Americans can find themselves, their ancestors, or their community in the archives. Knowing how a person interacted with the government is key to a successful search.
Highlighted Resources
- Genealogy articles featured in Prologue Magazine
- Access to Archival Databases (AAD)
- Archival Research Catalog (ARC)
- Ethnic Heritage Resources
- Microfilm Catalog Online
- Genealogical CD-ROMs in the National Archives Building, Washington, DC
Native Americans in the Census
Although many sources state that the 1870 census is the first to enumerate the Indian population, genealogists can find Native Americans in the 1860 census.
Find out more in Native Americans in the Census, 1860–1890.
World War II Army Enlistment Records
Search for evidence of Army service from your own computer using NARA's online databases.
Find out more in The World War II Army Enlistment Records File and Access to Archival Databases
Genealogy Notes
"You have the body": Habeas Corpus Case Records of the U.S. Circuit Court for the District of Columbia, 1820–1863
Habeas corpus cases dating from 1820 to 1863 in the District of Columbia can provide names of individuals and family members; birth, marriage, and death information; and detailed information on the daily lives of the people involved in the cases.
Read the Notes
Those Elusive Early Americans: Public Lands and Claims in the American State Papers, 1789–1837
The thousands of claims and other records in the American State Papers preserved from the archives and manuscript records of the Senate and House contain a wealth of information on individuals and families living in America from 1789 to 1838.
Read the Notes
