Archival Collections Opening to Researchers!

For the first time in the SAR’s history, our archival collections will now be open to researchers! Since its beginning in 1889, the SAR has collected or created original records of historical significance. Today, our archival collection reflects the diverse collection development policies practiced over those many decades – which has evolved into three distinct types of archival collections:

• Original 18th century primary sources: Correspondence, newspapers, documents, land records, currency, diaries, etc.
• SAR Institutional documents, photos, and publications – i.e. administrative items created by the SAR Leadership.
• Original genealogy and/or family history collections – from any point throughout America’s history: Correspondence, photos, documents, pedigree charts, family Bible records, etc.

So – what does access mean for you – the researcher? As of right now, our archival collections are being slowly added to the SAR library catalog. These listings will be growing all the time, so be watching for new items coming available. If you find an item that is listed as part of our archival collections, just note the call number, and request this from our library staff during your visit.

How can you tell whether an item is a part of the archival collections? Anytime you conduct a search in the SAR library catalog, once you get to the search results page, look to the left and expand the section that says “Collections” – if there are Archival items associated with your search, it will show up below that section – you can then click on the word “Archives” to see a list of those titles!

For those off-site, who cannot make it here in person to research these collections, we do offer hourly research services and/or photocopy request services to assist you in locating the information you seek. Just a reminder that with this new access, no appointment is necessary – simply request the needed material from library staff during our regular business hours. Just a reminder that some collections may always be restricted, such as those with severe condition issues, or those that contain contemporary personal information, etc. SAR reserves the right to restrict access to any collection on a case by case basis. With the 250th celebrations coming, scholars, local historians, and/or students may need to access 18th century primary sources – so please spread the word that the SAR Library is a great resource for these upcoming 250th related projects!