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National Archives Catalog

Publisher: U.S. National Archives and Records AdministrationLast checked: 2026-07-21

The National Archives Catalog describes federal archival holdings and provides access to millions of digitized and electronic records. It also searches archival descriptions and authority records.

Limitations: Only a fraction of all holdings is digitized, and some described records are restricted or available only onsite. Archival hierarchy and record-group terminology require practice.

Why it is useful

The National Archives Catalog describes federal archival holdings and provides access to millions of digitized and electronic records. It also searches archival descriptions and authority records. This resource is especially useful for U.S. federal records and digitized government documents. Review the current instructions and limitations from U.S. National Archives and Records Administration before relying on it for important work.

Limitations

Only a fraction of all holdings is digitized, and some described records are restricted or available only onsite. Archival hierarchy and record-group terminology require practice.

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catalog.archives.gov

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