Now you can order copies of many genealogical records online.
Services for the Public at the National Archives in Anchorage, Alaska
Genealogy Research
The Anchorage facility has extensive microfilm holdings of value for genealogy research, among them:
- Federal population censuses for all States, 1790-1930 (including indexes for 1880, 1900, 1910, and 1920);
- over 500 census index books for the years 1790-1870, with some gaps;
- military service records;
- pension and bounty land warrant applications;
- passenger arrival records;
- Indian censuses;
- naturalization records.
Self-service microfilm readers and reader-printers are available without appointment. A 2-hour limit is imposed when researchers are waiting. Researchers from outside a reasonable driving distance from Anchorage may reserve readers for a longer period. Researchers using microfilm do not need a researcher's ID card.
Additional help:How to Find Your Gold Rush Relative: Sources on the Klondike and Alaska Gold Rushes (1896-1914).The Alaska Historical Society web site.
NARA's Online Microfilm Catalog, which allows researchers to determine the microfilm publications held by NARA's Anchorage facility.
The Genealogy section, for general information about NARA's genealogical resources.
The 1930 Federal Population CensusGenealogy links from the Archives Library and Information Center (ALIC), with links for how to do genealogical research, genealogy resources around the world, and databases of family trees
Genealogical Resources on the World Wide Web, for links to non NARA genealogical web sites.
E-mail your inquiry to alaska.archives@nara.gov
Call the Anchorage facility at 907-261-7820.
Historical Research
Original records
NARA's Pacific Alaska Region (Anchorage) has more than 9,000 cubic feet of archival holdings,
including textual documents, photographs, maps, and architectural drawings, dating from about
1867 to the present. These archival holdings were created or received by
the Federal courts and over 30 Federal agencies in Alaska.
Federal law requires that agencies transfer permanently valuable,
noncurrent records to NARA.
Subjects covered include Federal courts; land and resource management; agriculture; forestry; Native American affairs; weather observations; commercial shipping and commerce; roads, railroads, and other transportation; economic development; and military and naval activities.
The archival holdings are arranged by record group (abbreviated RG), a body of records from an agency or bureau, identified by an RG number. Selected finding aids are available by mail and online. Research can be initiated in person, or by telephone, mail, fax, or electronic mail. Individuals who wish to use archival holdings on-site will facilitate their research by calling before visiting.
Before using archival holdings, every researcher must obtain a researcher identification card. An applicant must show identification that includes a photograph, such as a driver's license, passport, or school or business identification card, and complete a short form giving name, address, telephone number, and brief description of the proposed research topic. A researcher ID card, valid for 3 years and renewable, is then issued. It must be presented during each research visit. The card cannot be issued in advance of your visit.
Microfilmed records
In addition to unique original records, the Anchorage facility has extensive holdings of National
Archives microfilm publications concerning aspects of Alaska history
such as activities of the territorial and Federal Government,
the Alaska Railroad, and the Russian-American Company. Other subjects covered in microfilm
holdings include U.S. diplomacy, the Revolutionary War, the Civil
War and Reconstruction, Native American-Government relations, westward expansion, and
World War II.
Self-service microfilm readers and reader-printers are available without appointment. A 2-hour limit is imposed when researchers are waiting. Researchers from outside a reasonable driving distance from Anchorage may reserve readers for a longer period. Researchers using microfilm do not need a researcher's ID card.
Photocopying
Self-service copying of archival documents is not available. Upon request, the staff will make or arrange for copies of documents, including certified copies for legal use, oversized documents, and photographs. Fees vary depending on the size and type of reproduction. The availability of photocopies depends on the physical condition of the document.
Paper copies from microfilm can be made at self-service copiers or by other arrangement for a fee.
Public Programs
Public programs include tours of the facility, exhibits, lectures, and workshops on genealogy, research in archives, and teaching history using archival documents. Groups and classes can be accommodated by special arrangement.