Archives Nationales stationed at College Park, Maryland
The National Archives at College Park, Maryland, commonly known as "Archives II," is a vast repository of historical records, housing motion picture, sound, video, electronic, and photographic materials from various federal sources and historical periods. Located at 8601 Adelphi Rd., with truck deliveries using the entrance at 3301 Metzerott Rd., this facility is much larger than its Washington, D.C. counterpart and is situated near the University of Maryland[1][3].
The audiovisual and electronic archives at College Park include a wide range of historically significant materials, such as photographs, newsreels, interviews, musical recordings, and electronic media spanning from mid-20th century to more recent times[4]. Access to these archives is free for visitors who obtain a researcher card, and the staff are available to offer guidance on notable collections to view or research[2].
In addition to textual documents and maps, the College Park facility stores vast audiovisual archives, including motion pictures, sound recordings, and video records accessible for research purposes[2]. Some of the notable records housed at the National Archives at College Park include World War I Army unit records, Navy unit records dating from WW2, and records from the Berlin Documents Center microfilm[1].
Moreover, researchers can find Vietnam War Records, JFK Assassination Records, and Army unit records dating from WWI at the College Park facility[1]. The facility also houses cartographic and architectural holdings, and still pictures and graphic works are available for viewing[1].
For those interested in conducting research at the National Archives, they can schedule research appointments via Eventbrite on the National Archives DC-area Research Appointments page[2]. Researchers may also register or ask about research room appointments on the facility's website[2]. The research room at the National Archives at College Park is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.[2].
Information about online research tools, databases, volunteer and internship opportunities, and educator resources is also available on the National Archives' website[2]. For specific inquiries, researchers may contact the Special Media division for advance consultation and appointment questions, Textual Consultation, Moving Image and Sound, Still Pictures, Cartographic, or Lost and Found[2]. Contact information for key staff and departments at the facility can be found on the Contact Us page[2].
In summary, the National Archives at College Park is a major repository for motion picture, sound, video, electronic, and photographic records from a variety of federal sources and historical periods, with facilities to support public research and cooperation with academic institutions[1][2][3][4]. Whether you're a researcher, historian, or simply curious, the National Archives at College Park offers a wealth of resources to explore and learn from.
[1] National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). National Archives at College Park, Maryland. Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/locations/college-park
[2] National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). Researcher Resources. Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/research/start
[3] National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). University of Maryland Archives Partnership. Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/locations/college-park/partnership
[4] National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). Electronic Records Archives. Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/information-management/erg/electronic-records-archives/era-overview
The National Archives at College Park provides a rich platform for education and self-development, with its vast audiovisual and electronic archives spanning from mid-20th century to recent times, making it suitable for general news, sports, and historical research purposes. Moreover, researchers can participate in volunteer and internship opportunities offered by the National Archives to delve deeper into these archives.
