Archives

definition

What is an Archive?

An archive is an accumulation of historical records or the physical facility in which such a collection is located.

Archives contain preserved primary source document: first-hand records of many types created in the past. The materials forming the archive were accumulated over the course of time by individuals or organizations. Archives are often composed of many different collections defined by topic or the source from which it came. The facility is usually curated (managed) by archivists who intimately know the collections and seek to protect, but also organize the materials so that others can use them to conduct investigations into the past.

Below are Several Collections of Primary Documents

Each of these collections was put together by the authors of the essays on this site. They used them to write their histories. Before you start, take a moment to view the videos in the “Watch and Learn” section below.

Nursing Primary Documents Collection

By Carleigh baum

City Directory and Criminal Record Primary Documents Collection

By Haylee Hunt

Collection 3

general topic

Archives are invaluable tools for building a historical narrative. The archivist becomes your partner. You'll find sources you never thought would be as valuable as they turn out to be.

– carleigh baum

Archives are extraordinary places that allow people to research to their hearts content. A lot of material one can come across in the archives may not pertain to the topic they are researching, but that is the beauty of an archive. Archivists take the time to make all of this information accessible to the public.

– Haylee Hunt

Here are a few exercises you can do with some examples of primary documents. They will teach you how to use them.

View Our Work

Watch and Learn

01

Visiting an Archive

Learn what an archive is, what an archivist does, and what to expect for your visit

02

Looking at a Collection

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03

Taking Notes