SHAFR and NARA: The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) provides several resources for SHAFR members and other researchers who have questions about NARA  or who want to prepare for a research visit. NARA's External Affairs Liaison, Meg Phillips, organizes regular meetings between NARA leaders and history associations like SHAFR. You can contact SHAFR leadership with a question or concern that you'd like them to discuss with NARA at these meetings. If you have questions about NARA as an organization, if you need help finding the right NARA office or person, or if you need information about NARA policies, you can also contact Meg directly at [email protected]. She is happy to help.

To prepare for a research trip, check out NARA's "Getting Started" and "FAQ"pages. You should complete the researcher orientation slides and online researcher application that are required before getting a researcher card.

Consultation and Research Appointments: All NARA research rooms are open to the public by appointment only. Please check the specific facility page for hours and contact information for making a research appointment. Visit our coronavirus information page for general updates. We will continue to follow CDC and local guidance on coronavirus safety measures such as physical distancing and face coverings.

NARA staff are available to provide reference consultation services via phone, video, or email to assist you in planning and preparing for your visit and identifying records to be pulled for your visit. The consultations will be used to provide information about NARA’s holdings and are generally scheduled for an hour or less. Please come prepared to discuss your research needs in as much specificity as possible.

For those unable to visit in person, National Archives staff respond to emailed requests for records and History Hub inquiries. Reach us by email via [email protected] or our Contact Us page. You can also explore the National Archives Catalog online.