Understanding Missouri State Archives: Preserving Our History

The Missouri State Archives serves as the official repository for state records of permanent and historical value. Established in 1965, its mission is to foster an appreciation of Missouri history and illuminate contemporary public issues by preserving and making available the state’s permanent records to its citizens and their government. (sos.mo.gov)

Mission and Services

The Archives identifies, collects, and preserves records dating back to 1770, including executive, legislative, and judicial records; records of state departments and agencies; land records; military records; state publications; photographic collections; county and municipal records on microfilm; and manuscript and reference collections. (sos.mo.gov)

Key Services:

  • Research Access: The Archives provides access to its holdings through a research room located at 600 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65102. (sos.mo.gov)
  • Digital Resources: Through the Missouri Digital Heritage Initiative, the Archives collaborates with the Missouri State Library and the State Historical Society of Missouri to digitize records, making them accessible online. (en.wikipedia.org)
  • Educational Programs: The Archives offers programs for schools and civic groups, sponsors traveling exhibits, and maintains a regular calendar of educational programs and historical entertainments. (sos.mo.gov)
  • Accessing the Archives

    Research Room Hours:

  • Winter (September to May):
  • – Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    – Second Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
    – Third Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

  • Summer (June to August):
  • – Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    – Second and Fourth Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
    – Third Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

    Contact Information:

  • Phone: (573) 751-3280
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Address: 600 West Main Street, P.O. Box 1747, Jefferson City, MO 65102 (sos.mo.gov)
  • Research Requests:

    Researchers can submit up to three requests at a time via the online request form or by emailing email protected]. Appointments are available to expedite research; to schedule, email [email protected] or call (573) 751-3280. ([sos.mo.gov)

    Branch Locations

    In addition to the main facility in Jefferson City, the Archives operates a branch in St. Louis:

    Missouri State Archives-St. Louis

  • Address: Carnahan Courthouse, 1114 Market Street, Room 245, St. Louis, MO 63101
  • Phone: (314) 588-1746
  • Email: email protected] ([sos.mo.gov)
  • Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Appointments are required; call ahead to ensure staff availability. (sos.mo.gov)

    Support and Partnerships

    The Friends of the Missouri State Archives, a non-profit organization, supports the Archives through memberships and gifts. They assist in promoting and supporting the Archives’ mission and activities. (friendsofmsa.org)

    Contact Information:

  • Address: P.O. Box 242, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0242
  • Phone: (573) 526-1981
  • Fax: (573) 526-5327 (friendsofmsa.org)
  • Conclusion

    The Missouri State Archives plays a crucial role in preserving the state’s rich history and making it accessible to the public. Whether you’re a researcher, educator, or history enthusiast, the Archives offers a wealth of resources to explore Missouri’s past.

    Key Facts

  • Established: 1965
  • Main Facility Address: 600 West Main Street, P.O. Box 1747, Jefferson City, MO 65102
  • St. Louis Branch Address: Carnahan Courthouse, 1114 Market Street, Room 245, St. Louis, MO 63101
  • Main Facility Phone: (573) 751-3280
  • St. Louis Branch Phone: (314) 588-1746
  • Sources

  • Missouri State Archives, About the Missouri Archives, 2023, https://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/about/about
  • Missouri State Archives, Contact Information, 2023, https://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/contact.asp
  • Missouri State Archives, MSA-St. Louis, 2023, https://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/msastl/default
  • Friends of the Missouri State Archives, About, 2023, https://www.friendsofmsa.org/about/index.php
  • Missouri State Archives, Access and Policy Statement, 2023, https://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/pubs/archweb/access
  • Missouri Digital Heritage Initiative, 2023, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missouri_Digital_Heritage_Initiative