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The National Archives at Atlanta: A Comprehensive Genealogy Resource
The National Archives at Atlanta, located in the Southeastern region, is a trove of genealogical resources for researchers. This archival facility houses an extensive collection of census records, military service records, and African American records, among other valuable documents.
Census Records
For genealogical research, the National Archives at Atlanta preserves federal and state census records from 1790 to 1930. These records, along with related materials from regional archives and state repositories such as the Georgia Archives, provide a wealth of information for family history research.
Military Service Records
The archives also hold military records, including service files, pension records, and unit histories. These records are essential for tracing ancestors who served in the military. Access to military records and related documents can be found not only in the archives but also through online platforms like Fold3.com in the research rooms.
African American Records
The National Archives at Atlanta, in collaboration with institutions like the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History, offers access to African American genealogical resources. The Auburn Library specializes in African American history and genealogy. Additionally, more expansive digital archives such as the Slave Societies Digital Archive provide contextual sources related to Africans and African-descended people.
Additional Resources
Beyond these specific collections, the Atlanta History Center Archives and Georgia Archives maintain vital, land, census, photographic, and other historical records relevant to family and regional history. The National Archives locations offer free access to Ancestry.com and Fold3.com in their research rooms, allowing for broad genealogical searches across census, military, and naturalization documents.
State library systems and Georgia's Virtual Library (GALILEO) provide digital genealogical and local history materials, including vital and census records, accessible statewide to library cardholders.
Access and Services
Researchers can initiate their work in person, by telephone, mail, or electronic mail at atlanta.our [email protected]. The archival holdings are arranged by record group, a body of records from an agency or bureau, identified by an RG number.
The National Archives at Atlanta has approximately 175,000 cubic feet of archival holdings dating from 1716 to the 1980s. Indexes to selected naturalization records processed through Federal courts throughout the Southeast are available. Public programs include workshops on genealogy, tours of the facility, student internships, exhibits, and lectures.
The NASA Collection
The National Archives at Atlanta also houses the NASA collection, which includes approximately 385,586 still pictures and negatives from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
Photocopying and Microfilm
Photocopying of archival documents is available for 25 cents a page (letter and legal size). However, the availability of photocopies depends on the physical condition of the documents. Researchers using microfilm do not need a researcher's ID card.
Call Before Visiting
Researchers who wish to use archival holdings on-site will facilitate their research by calling before visiting. Indexes for all censuses through Ancestry.com are also available. Indexes to selected passengers arrival records for Eastern and Gulf Coast ports are available as well. Selected pension and bounty-land warrant applications are available, along with records relating to Native Americans and African Americans.
In summary, the National Archives at Atlanta offers a comprehensive collection of genealogical resources, combining traditional archival holdings with access to digital census, military service, and African American genealogical records. The archives also partner with several local and regional institutions to support comprehensive genealogy research.
- Amidst the vast array of genealogical resources at The National Archives at Atlanta, home-and-garden enthusiasts might find inspiration in the rich collection of historical photographs from the NASA collection that offer an intimate view of the past, including images from the Kennedy Space Center and the Marshall Space Flight Center.
- To complement your exploration of family history, it's also worth delving into the lifestyle sector of the archives, where you can access digital archives like the Slave Societies Digital Archive or the resources available at the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History, which provide contextual sources essential for understanding the African-descended community's history.
