National Archives at College Park

National Archives at College Park. It is the second major facility of the National Archives and Records Administration and serves as the central hub for the preservation and research of modern federal records. Opened in 1994, this state-of-the-art complex was designed to address the severe space and preservation limitations of the original National Archives Building in Washington, D.C.. Often called "Archives II," it houses the majority of the archival holdings created by the U.S. government since the early 20th century, making it an indispensable resource for scholars, journalists, and the public.

History

The need for a new facility became urgent by the 1970s as the original National Archives Building reached capacity, threatening the long-term safety of invaluable records. Following a lengthy site selection and planning process, construction began in 1989 on a parcel of land adjacent to the University of Maryland, College Park. The facility was dedicated in 1993 and opened for research in 1994, with its design incorporating advanced climate control and security features. Its establishment coincided with a major reorganization of the National Archives and Records Administration, centralizing the management of textual, audiovisual, and electronic records. The opening of this facility allowed for the transfer of millions of cubic feet of records from overcrowded federal warehouses and the downtown Washington, D.C. building, ensuring their professional curation and accessibility.

Facilities

The main building encompasses over 1.8 million square feet, featuring 36 stack levels within two massive towers designed for high-density storage. The complex includes specialized laboratories for the National Archives' preservation programs, such as the Document Conservation Laboratory and the Audiovisual Conservation Laboratory. Other key features are multiple microfilm reading rooms, a large research entrance hall, and numerous processing rooms for archivists. The site also houses the Office of Research Services and the National Declassification Center, which coordinates the review of classified federal records. The entire facility is engineered with rigorous environmental controls to maintain optimal temperature and humidity for preserving diverse media.

Holdings

Its collections are vast and diverse, covering the breadth of 20th and 21st-century United States government activity. Major holdings include records from the Department of State, the Department of Defense, the Central Intelligence Agency, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The audiovisual archives are particularly renowned, containing millions of feet of film, video recordings, and photographic prints from agencies like the United States Information Agency and the Department of the Interior. Significant collections document pivotal events such as World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal, and the September 11 attacks. The facility also holds extensive cartographic records, architectural drawings, and electronic records from the late Ronald Reagan administration onward.

Preservation and Digitization

The institution operates one of the world's most advanced archival preservation programs, with labs dedicated to paper, film, video, and audio conservation. Experts treat items ranging from the Declaration of Independence (for exhibition) to fragile nitrate motion picture films from World War I. A massive digitization initiative is ongoing, partnering with organizations like Ancestry.com and Fold3 to make records available online. The Catalog provides online access to millions of digitized documents, photographs, and moving images. Specialized teams also work on preserving born-digital records, ensuring the longevity of electronic communications from the White House and other federal entities.

Access and Research

The research rooms are open to the public, requiring a researcher identification card issued by the National Archives and Records Administration. Scholars from institutions like the University of Maryland and George Washington University frequently utilize its resources, alongside journalists, genealogists, and documentary filmmakers. Staff archivists provide reference assistance and guidance through complex record groups, such as those related to the War in Afghanistan or the Great Depression. While many records are unrestricted, access to certain materials, particularly those from the Central Intelligence Agency or Department of Defense, may require mandatory review through the National Declassification Center. The facility also hosts regular public programs, exhibitions, and workshops.

Category:National Archives and Records Administration Category:Buildings and structures in College Park, Maryland Category:Archives in the United States Category:1994 establishments in Maryland