Textual Records at the National Archives at Washington, DC
The Archives 1 Reference Branch provides information to on- and off-site researchers about executive and judicial branch records housed at the National Archives in Washington, DC (Archives 1). The Center for Legislative Archives provides assistance with legislative records.
We can suggest record groups and series for researchers to consult, assist researchers in using our finding aids, and help researchers order copies. We are not staffed to provide general research or genealogical services.
Overview of Our Records
Textual records housed at Archives 1 can be grouped into three broad categories: Army, Navy/Maritime, and Civilian. Records of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives are housed with the Center for Legislative Archives.
Includes records of U.S. Army soldiers and units from the Revolutionary War up to (but not including) World War I
Includes records of the U.S. Navy (prior to World War II), Coast Guard, and Marines; the U.S. Shipping Board; and lighthouses
Includes records of select non-military federal agencies, federal courts in D.C., and the U.S. Supreme Court
Overview of Our Services
On-Site Consultation
Archives 1 Reference staff members are available to consult about your research topic in our Consultation Room. The Consultation Room is located on the ground floor of our building through the Pennsylvania Avenue entrance.
Consultation Room Hours (Monday–Friday):
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9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Pulling Original Records
To view textual records in our research room, you must first go through our researcher orientation and obtain a researcher card. You may then complete a pull slip and submit it to a Reference staff member for review.
Please see Information for Researchers and Frequently Asked Questions Related to Research Room Reopenings for additional information about conducting on-site research.
Off-Site Research
If you have a question about records housed at the National Archives in Washington, DC, please email us at archives1reference@nara.gov.
Our staff will respond to your inquiry within 10 to 12 business days. Please do not send a duplicate request before this time period has expired.
Research Online
National Archives Catalog
You can search the National Archives Catalog to find descriptions and digitized images of our records.