Ten Things I Learned Researching at the National Archives in D.C. and MD

This summer I spent eight days researching at both National Archives I (downtown Washington, D.C.) and National Archives II (College Park, Maryland). It was an eye-opening experience. Each location has its strengths and quirks, and as a first-time researcher at both, I learned a lot, sometimes the hard way. Here are ten takeaways from my visit.

1. The Catalog Is Huge and Overwhelming

The NARA catalog is not as user-friendly as other archives or library catalogs. The Archives has billions of records in its collection. Search terms that seem obvious do not always work, and narrowing down to the right record group can take persistence. I often felt like I was missing something, especially with less-used collections such as lighthouse records or postmaster files.

2. NARA I Staff Are Friendlier

The staff at Archives I were consistently more approachable, patient, and helpful. They guided me through record requests and explained things clearly. At Archives II, the staff felt more rushed and less friendly, and in some cases the interactions felt accusatory.

3. Accusations at NARA II Felt Uncomfortable

At Archives II, staff patrolled the research room checking for declassification tags on documents being scanned. I was asked multiple times: Do you have a tag? Are you using it on every document? Did you take pictures without it? At one point I was even asked if I had put rusty paper clips on the records. It felt accusatory and unnecessary, especially since paper clips would never make it past security. 

4. Supplies Are Easier to Access at NARA I

At Archives I, basic supplies like weights were readily available. At Archives II, you had to ask for everything, even weights, and sometimes sign them out. It slowed the process and added unnecessary frustration when you didn't know where they were. 

5. Wait Times Vary, but NARA I Did Better

At both archives, wait times for record pulls averaged about 45 minutes. NARA I generally handled requests more smoothly. At NARA II, you had to look up box and row information yourself using binders, while NARA I staff filled that in for you. As a beginner, I really appreciated the extra help.

6. Rules Control the Fun

One thing to know before you go: NARA has 86 rules for researchers. They are available online here: Research Room Rules (https://www.archives.gov/research/research-room-rules). It is best to review them in advance so you know what to expect.

7. Cafeteria and Eating Areas at NARA II Were Better

If you want a good lunch during your research break, Archives II is the place. The cafeteria had more options, and the eating area was spacious and newer. NARA I’s food options were far more limited and others said not as good.  

8. Research Assistance Was Stronger at NARA I

At Archives I, I could easily find someone to answer questions about the materials I was using. At NARA II, there was one specialist for Army records, and he was swamped. I often felt on my own.

Neither archive was able to suggest the correct search terms when I asked about German Prisoners of War at Fort Custer. I was repeatedly told to use “Custer,” which returned results about General Custer. Searching “German Prisoners of War” brought up records about United States soldiers held in Germany. The key term turned out to be “enemy prisoners,” which I eventually discovered on my own. Once I tried that, I found far more relevant information. I was also directed to Record Group 394, Continental Commands, which contained cartographic records but not for the time period I needed. In contrast, Record Group 389, Records of the Provost Marshal (1941– ), was filled with information. 

9. Tracking Records Was Hit or Miss

At NARA II, the electronic monitor in the research room made it easy to know when my records were ready. At NARA I, it was inconsistent. Sometimes staff told me my records were upstairs, sometimes to check if they had been submitted downstairs. Once I wasted two and a half hours looking for my lighthouse records before giving up and coming back the next day. Thankfully, that was an exception, not the rule.

10. Strengths of Each Archive

Archives I excels at military and land records, while Archives II is known for 20th-century military records and modern federal agency records. Accuracy was solid at both locations. Only once did I receive the wrong time period for a record request. 

Rules Control the Fun

One thing to know before you go: NARA has 86 rules for researchers. They are available online here: Research Room Rules (https://www.archives.gov/research/research-room-rules). It is best to review them in advance so you know what to expect.

Final Thoughts

Researching at the National Archives can be rewarding, but it requires patience, persistence, and sometimes a thick skin. I am glad I had the chance to experience both NARA I and II. I learned not only about my research subjects but also about how the archives work.

If you are planning a visit, do your homework ahead of time. The NARA website is filled with finding aids and preparation guides that will make your time there more productive. Some resources I found helpful include:

1. Guide to Genealogical Research in the United States (available at HathiTrust)

2. NARA’s Catalog Guide: https://www.archives.gov/research/genealogy/catalog-guide

3. Preliminary Inventories available online through the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne. These help identify the records within each record group. Not all preliminary inventories are digitized here.

4. Prologue Magazine, a NARA publication now out of print, but past issues are available online at archives.gov. It contains a wealth of research tips and background articles.

These tips come from my personal experience, and yours may be different. I spent days preparing for my visit and thought I was ready, only to discover that the archives had even more to teach me. My best advice is to embrace the process and enjoy the experience. Visiting the National Archives had been a dream of mine for years, and finally walking into those research rooms felt like stepping into history itself. No matter the challenges or frustrations, I will always be grateful that I had the chance to be there, to handle original records, and to connect more deeply with the past.