Step 1: Think about these questions
Questions
- 1. Do I need specific information or am I just curious and want to browse?
2. What is my topic of interest?- 3. Should I use a library or an archives?
Question 2: What is my topic of interest?
Records include information about a wide variety of topics. Are you interested in bankruptcy case files? Chinese immigration? Military battles? Space exploration? Learn about these topics and see more, often requested research topics. The topics listed represent only a small fraction of possible research topics but will help you to get started with your research. Don't forget to search electronic records in our Access to Archival Databases (AAD) system and information about records, including digital images of some documents, in our Archival Online Catalog (ARC).
We are continually adding descriptions of records and some documents to ARC. It does not include descriptions of every document, every file, or every item in our voluminous holdings. That means that you may have to visit us, or hire an independent researcher to see or arrange for copies of the records. Copies of some records are available if you order online.
