Skip to Main Content

HIST 091: Senior Research Seminar (SC)

History 091: Senior Research Seminar (Megan Brown and Bob Weinberg) Fall 2024

Research Tools: Find Collections and Archives

ArchiveGrid This link opens in a new window
Search engine for collections and archives in the US
Try this: Search for a keyword. Select the "Results Overview" tab. Filter by Archive Location.

SNAC: Social Networks & Archival Context Cooperative
Search for names of individual people, organizations, and families and find connected historical resources held by various archives and libraries.

Archives Hub This link opens in a new window
Searches for descriptions of archival material at more than 220 academic and cultural institutions in the United Kingdom.

Archives Portal Europe
Locate archival materials included in the collections of 7,000+ archives/libraries across Europe

Practical Tips: Visiting Archives & Special Collections

Key things to know:

Most primary source documents (held by archives and libraries) have not yet been digitized.
Unlike McCabe, many archives and special collections are only open during business hours.
Helpful crowd-sourced resource: How Cold is that Library?

Steps to take:

Consult finding aids for descriptions of materials, dates, how large the collection is, and other key info.
Contact archives staff before visiting. (They'll probably ask you which materials you'd like to use.)
Don't be shy - ask. Librarians and archivists are available to answer your questions, and may be able to recommend sources.

See also:

Swarthmore's Beginners Guide to Archives Zine
TriCo guide to Using Special Collections & Archives
This guide from the Society of American Archivists may be helpful as you plan your research.

Using Archives