Unlocking America’s History: The National Archives vs. The Library of Congress
As a longtime genealogist and family history buff, I often get questions about the differences between the U.S. National Archives (NARA) and the Library of Congress (LOC). Both institutions play a pivotal yet distinct role in preserving America’s historical records and making them accessible for research. In this post, I’ll highlight what sets each one apart, so you can better leverage their resources for your own discoveries.
The National Archives: America's Attic for Official Documents
NARA is best known as the keeper of key original documents like the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights. It also houses a treasure trove of federal records, from census data to military service files and immigration case files spanning over 200 years. Its massive collection in Washington D.C. and regional centers makes it an essential stop for tracing your ancestry in the U.S. or understanding the workings of the federal government.
Some key highlights:
- Custodian of founding and key legal documents.
- U.S. census records dating back to 1790
- Federal records from Executive Branch agencies
- Military service records.
- Ship passenger arrival records
Things to Know:
- Free access to search descriptions of records online
- Must register for a researcher card to access original records in-person
- Digital copies available for some (but not all) records
The Library of Congress: America's Story Preserved in Over 158 Million Items
The LOC calls itself the largest library in the world, and rightfully so. While not all items revolve around American history, it still holds over 158 million manuscripts, rare books, photographs, maps, recordings, films, prints, and more. You can find early drafts of historical speeches, WWI propaganda posters, century-old oral histories from former slaves, Cherokee language recordings from the 1890s—the diversity is endless.
Some key highlights:
- Largest rare book and newspaper collection globally
- Historical manuscripts and pamphlets
- Genealogies and biography histories
- Early colonial and Americana imprint records
- Historical maps and atlases
- Early photography and early motion pictures
Things to Know:
- Search online catalog for item descriptions
- On-site appointments needed for access to originals
- Digital copies available for some collections
In Closing
Hopefully this gives you a better grasp of how the National Archives and the Library of Congress fit together as critical pillars for studying American history. While some records overlap, their focus areas differ enough that it pays to check both when researching a topic or ancestor. And if you find yourself in Washington D.C., don’t miss the opportunity to visit these national treasures in-person! Just be sure to plan ahead since appointments are often required.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I’m always happy to point fellow history lovers to the best resources.
Tags :
America History,family history,genealogy,Library of Congress,National Archives,pastseekers,research
