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The National Archives at Atlanta: A Treasure Trove for Genealogists and Historians
The National Archives at Atlanta, located in Georgia, is a rich repository of historical records that offer insights into the impact of Federal government policies and programs in the southern states. This archive houses a vast collection of original records, textual documents, maps, photographs, and architectural drawings, dating from as early as 1716 to the 1980s.
To access these resources, every researcher must obtain a researcher identification card. This card, valid for a year and renewable, is essential and must be presented during each research visit. However, it's important to note that researchers using microfilm do not need a researcher's ID card at the Atlanta facility.
The archives offer a wealth of resources for genealogy research. Researchers can determine the microfilm publications held by the Atlanta facility using NARA's Online Microfilm Catalog. The facility has extensive microfilm holdings for genealogy research, including Federal population censuses from 1790-1930, selected military service records, pension and bounty-land warrant applications, passengers arrival records, naturalization records, and records relating to Native Americans and African Americans.
The National Archives at Atlanta also has custody of thousands of photographs and negatives, primarily from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The TVA collection includes photographs of families, homes, towns, and buildings in the area, many of which have vanished. 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.
Indexes for all censuses through Ancestry.com are available at the Atlanta facility. But, it's worth noting that the availability of photocopies depends on the physical condition of the documents. Self-service copying of archival documents is available for 25 cents a page.
The archives also provide general information about NARA's genealogical resources through NARA's Genealogy Section. For more specialized inquiries or in-person assistance, contacting the National Archives at Atlanta directly or utilizing local library genealogy rooms may provide additional primary documents and expert guidance.
In addition to the on-site resources, the National Archives at Atlanta has a website (Friends of the National Archives Southeast Region) that provides additional resources for genealogy research. The archive is also linked with state and local digital collections, library systems, and the Digital Library of Georgia, providing broad access to historical documents and genealogical databases significant for family and local history research in Georgia.
The archival holdings are arranged by record group (abbreviated RG), a body of records from an agency or bureau, identified by an RG number. Selected finding aids are available by mail and online. Individuals who wish to use archival holdings on-site will facilitate their research by calling before visiting.
For inquiries or to schedule a visit, researchers can send an email to atlanta.our [email protected], or contact the facility at 770-968-2100. The facility also encourages researchers to take advantage of its public programs, including workshops on genealogy, tours of the facility, student internships, exhibits, and lectures.
[1] Digital Library of Georgia: https://dlg.usg.edu/ [2] Atlanta-Fulton County Public Library System: https://www.fultoncountylibrary.org/ [3] Auburn Avenue Research Library: https://www.fultoncountylibrary.org/aarl/ [4] GALILEO: https://galileo.usg.edu/ [5] Live Oak Public Libraries Genealogy Room: https://www.liveoakpl.org/genealogy-room/
- While the National Archives at Atlanta predominantly focuses on historical records, it also extends to other aspects of daily life, offering resources for those interested in fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and cars through its link with the Digital Library of Georgia and other digital collections.
- For those who appreciate the style and aesthetics of pets, the archives have photographs and negatives from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) featuring images of families, homes, towns, and buildings, many of which show pets as part of their lifestyle.
- For those seeking inspiration for travel, the National Archives at Atlanta, in conjunction with state and local digital collections, library systems, and the Digital Library of Georgia, harbors a wealth of historical documentation and genealogical databases that can guide researchers on an engaging journey through the history of Georgia.
- Furthermore, the National Archives at Atlanta provides resources for those seeking insights into relationships, such as pension and bounty-land warrant applications, passengers arrival records, naturalization records, and records relating to Native Americans and African Americans, offering glimpses into the complexities of historical relationships.
