The State Archives of North Carolina plays a pivotal role in preserving the state’s rich history and heritage. As part of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), the Archives collects, preserves, and provides public access to historically significant materials related to North Carolina. (dncr.nc.gov)
Mission and Services
The primary mission of the State Archives is to safeguard documentary and material evidence of earlier generations and provide leadership and assistance to government agencies, individuals, businesses, and organizations to further the stewardship of the state’s historic resources. (dncr.nc.gov)
Collections
The Archives houses a diverse range of materials, including:
- Government Records: State and local government documents, such as legislative records, executive orders, and agency reports.
- Photographs and Maps: Historical images and maps depicting North Carolina’s people, places, and events.
- Manuscripts: Personal papers, diaries, and letters offering insights into the lives of North Carolinians.
- Digital Collections: Online resources, including digitized documents and publications, accessible through the North Carolina Digital Collections. (archives.ncdcr.gov)
- State Archives of North Carolina (Raleigh)
- Outer Banks History Center (Manteo)
- Western Regional Archives (Asheville)
- Search the Catalog: Identify materials of interest through the Archives’ online catalog.
- Review Finding Aids: Utilize finding aids to understand the scope and content of specific collections.
- Contact Staff: For specific items or questions, email archives@dncr.nc.gov.
- Identification: A valid photo ID is required for access.
- Handling Materials: Exercise care with materials; pens are prohibited; pencils are provided.
- Personal Items: Bags and coats are not permitted in the search room; lockers are available for storage. (archives.ncdcr.gov)
- North Carolina Digital Collections: Access over 90,000 digitized items, including photographs, manuscripts, and publications. (archives.ncdcr.gov)
- Online Catalog: Search the most up-to-date version of the Archives’ holdings.
- Records Management: Guiding state and local agencies in the preservation and management of government records.
- Retention Schedules: Developing schedules that dictate how long records should be retained before disposal.
- Training: Offering workshops and tutorials to ensure proper records handling. (dncr.nc.gov)
- State Archives – North Carolina Department of Natural & Cultural Resources
Research Facilities
The State Archives operates three research facilities across North Carolina:
– Address: 109 E. Jones St., Raleigh, NC 27601
– Phone: (919) 814-6840
– Email: archives@dncr.nc.gov
– Hours:
– Tuesday–Friday: 9 AM–5 PM
– Saturday: 9 AM–1 PM
– Sunday and Monday: Closed
– Address: P.O. Box 250, Manteo, NC 27954
– Phone: (252) 473-2655
– Email: obhc@dncr.nc.gov
– Address: 176 Riceville Rd., Asheville, NC 28805
– Phone: (828) 296-7230, ext. 240
– Email: wrarchives@dncr.nc.gov
These facilities offer researchers access to a wealth of materials and are staffed by knowledgeable archivists ready to assist with inquiries. (dncr.nc.gov)
Accessing the Archives
Before visiting, it’s advisable to:
When visiting, please note:
Digital Resources
For those unable to visit in person, the Archives offers extensive digital resources:
These online resources provide valuable insights into North Carolina’s history and are accessible to anyone with internet access.
Preservation and Records Management
Beyond public access, the State Archives is responsible for:
Conclusion
The State Archives of North Carolina serves as a vital resource for preserving and providing access to the state’s historical records. Whether you’re a researcher, genealogist, or history enthusiast, the Archives offers a wealth of materials to explore. By utilizing both physical and digital resources, you can delve into North Carolina’s past and gain a deeper understanding of its rich heritage.