Research Services At the New York State Archives
We provide access to over 100,000 cubic feet of archival records of New York State government (executive, legislative, and judicial branches), and to over 10,000 rolls of microfilmed archival records of local governments. We also assist researchers in locating archival records relating to New York in other government agencies and in historical records repositories.
- Check our Frequently Asked Questions for information about records that contain genealogical data or information about individuals (military service, educational and professional credentials, etc.).
- Search Excelsior, the online catalog of the New York State Archives and State Library.
- Archivists have prepared publications on a variety of research topics. You can review the finding aids, information sheets, and guides by topic or by reviewing our list of publications. Many record series identified in our publications are linked directly to their corresponding entries in Excelsior, the Archives' online catalog.
We provide direct assistance to remote users:
- e-mail: archref@mail.nysed.gov
- phone: (518) 474-8955
We aid researchers who use our collections in person:
- Our Research Room, shared with the Manuscripts and Special Collections unit of the New York State Library, is:
- Open from 9am-4:30pm weekdays and from 9:30 am-4:30 pm Saturdays
- Closed on all State holidays
- Researchers traveling any distance to the Archives on Saturdays should call in advance to confirm hours of operation.
- The Research Room is located on the 11th floor of the Cultural Education Center, which is at the south end of the Empire State Plaza in Albany (directions, parking information, and map).
- Most records in the New York State Archives are available to the public without restrictions. However, access to some of our records is restricted. Consult our access policy for more information.
- We enable users to purchase copies of many our records.
- We provide access to many of our microfilmed records through interlibrary loan
We also maintain NYHIST-L, the electronic discussion group for people interested in New York's history.
