Community Programs and Services Open to All

Community Programs and Services Open to All

The National Archives at Atlanta, a vital repository of historical records, serves as an invaluable resource for genealogical researchers in the southeastern United States. Established as part of the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's regional library system, this facility houses over 175,000 cubic feet of archival holdings dating from 1716 to the 1980s [1][5].

These extensive holdings include a wealth of materials useful for family history exploration. Researchers can access vital records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, land records essential for tracing property and family connections, and federal and state census records providing population and demographic data [3]. Furthermore, the facility has a substantial collection of photographs that may relate to family or local history [9].

One unique aspect of the Atlanta facility is its microfilm holdings, which include Federal population censuses from 1790-1930 and extensive National Archives microfilm publications on subjects ranging from U.S. diplomacy to the Revolutionary War, the Civil War and Reconstruction, Native American-Government relations, westward expansion, and World War II [4].

Moreover, the facility has custody of thousands of photographs and negatives, primarily from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) [6]. The NASA collection includes approximately 385,586 still pictures and negatives from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama [8].

Researchers can initiate their research in person, by telephone, mail, or electronic mail at atlanta.our [email protected]. Those who wish to use archival holdings on-site are encouraged to call before visiting [2]. Selected finding aids are available by mail and online for researchers' convenience [1].

Every researcher must obtain a researcher identification card, valid for 1 year and renewable, which must be presented during each research visit [7]. However, researchers using microfilm do not need a researcher's ID card at the Atlanta facility [10].

In addition to its research facilities, the National Archives at Atlanta offers public programs such as workshops on genealogy, tours of the facility, student internships, exhibits, and lectures [11]. For those interested in genealogy research in the Atlanta area, access to Georgia's Virtual Library (GALILEO) provides online access to census collections, vital records, and other genealogical documents [2].

The archival holdings primarily consist of textual records, but also include maps, photographs, and architectural drawings, offering unique evidence of the impact of Federal government policies and programs in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee [12]. These holdings were created or received by the Federal courts and over 100 Federal agencies [13].

Photocopying of archival documents is available at 25 cents a page, with fees varying for oversized documents, certified copies, photographs, or other specialized copies [1]. The facility's website is available through the Friends of the National Archives Southeast Region web site [14].

In conclusion, the National Archives at Atlanta is a treasure trove of historical records, providing original government documents and related archival materials crucial for tracing ancestry. Whether you're a seasoned genealogist or just starting your family history journey, this facility offers a wealth of resources to help you uncover your family's past.

[1] National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). The National Archives at Atlanta. Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/atlanta/ [2] Georgia's Virtual Library. (n.d.). Genealogy and Local History. Retrieved from https://galileo.usg.edu/ghsl/ [3] National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). Genealogy. Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/research/genealogy [4] National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). National Archives Microfilm Publications. Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/ [5] Live Oak Public Libraries. (n.d.). Genealogy Resources. Retrieved from https://www.liveoakpl.org/about/genealogy-resources [6] National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). Photographs. Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/research/photos [7] National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). Researcher Identification Card. Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/research/start/identification [8] National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). NASA Collection. Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/research/aac/nasalibrary/ [9] National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). Microfilm. Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/research/aac/microfilm [10] National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). Using Microfilm. Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/research/aac/microfilm/using-microfilm [11] National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). Public Programs. Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/atlanta/public-programs [12] National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). Archival Holdings. Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/atlanta/archival-holdings [13] National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). Records Created or Received by Federal Courts and Agencies. Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/records-courts-agencies [14] Friends of the National Archives Southeast Region. (n.d.). The National Archives at Atlanta. Retrieved from https://www.fnasr.org/atlanta/

1. A researcher might find helpful resources for understanding their family's lifestyle and fashion-and-beauty preferences in the images and photographs housed at the National Archives at Atlanta.
2. In addition, the food-and-drink habits and traditions of ancestors could be uncovered through census records and other demographic data available at the facility.
3. For those with an interest in home-and-garden matters, the archived maps and architectural drawings might provide insights into the houses and property owned by family members over the years.
4. Those who value the companionship of pets may find joy in discovering images of their pet ancestors among the extensive collection of photographs.

Travelers and car enthusiasts could take inspiration from exploring the historical records that document the development of transportation systems and infrastructure, while shopaholics might find delight in delving into records pertaining to retail establishments and trade.

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