Digital Files Held at National Archives
The National Archives, a repository of invaluable historical records, now offers online access to a vast and diverse collection of permanently valuable electronic federal records. Spanning over four decades, from 1972 to 2018, these digital records provide a rich tapestry of government decisions, actions, and citizens' rights, offering a unique insight into the country's history and administration.
The National Archives Catalog, a searchable database for federal records, serves as a comprehensive resource for researchers seeking electronic records. It houses a multitude of records, from textual documents and digital images to videos and scientific data, all designed to ensure their authenticity and long-term accessibility.
Textual records, supporting research in government policies, rights, and shared history over the past 250 years, form a significant part of this digital collection. Approximately 837 terabytes of electronic data are preserved, comprising permanently valuable federal records that document government decisions and actions.
Digital images and photographs, including about 40 million still and aerial photographs dating back to the 1930s, are another crucial component. These images have been preserved in digital formats for long-term access, offering a visual journey through the country's history.
The National Archives also provides access to electronic records from various federal agencies. These records may relate to natural and cultural resource management, administrative histories, scientific data, and more. For instance, the archives of Yellowstone National Park contain digital administrative records and scientific data under NARA's custodial trust.
Records maintained in the Electronic Records Archives (ERA) system, NARA’s primary repository for permanent electronic federal records, support digital preservation and access. This system ensures the long-term preservation of these digital records, making them accessible for future generations.
The types of electronic records accessible through NARA's program are diverse, spanning a broad spectrum of federal activities. From administrative decisions, military documents, scientific research, cultural and natural resource management, to immigration-related case files, these records are invaluable for historians, genealogists, legal experts, and other researchers.
In addition to the vast collection of electronic records, the National Archives Catalog offers resources for obtaining copies of federal records. General information about accessing records is also available, along with FAQs about accessing electronic records via the National Archives Catalog.
The National Archives Catalog is not just a resource for researchers but also for the general public. It offers an opportunity to delve into the inner workings of the U.S. Federal Government and gain a deeper understanding of the country's history and administration. With the National Archives Catalog, the wealth of information contained within the National Archives is now at your fingertips.
[1] National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). Electronic Records. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.archives.gov/records-management/electronic-records [2] National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). Access to Archival Databases. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.archives.gov/research/arc/electronic-access [3] National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). Records of the National Park Service. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/100.html [4] National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). Electronic Records Archives (ERA). Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.archives.gov/preservation/electronic-records/era
The National Archives Catalog, a searchable database for federal records, provides a platform for technology-aided research, as it houses a multitude of records in data-and-cloud-computing formats. These digital records, including textual documents, digital images, scientific data, and more, are preserved for long-term accessibility and authenticity in the Electronic Records Archives (ERA) system, NARA’s primary repository for permanent electronic federal records.
