How to Find Archives

Archives are collections of materials created and received by people and organizations.  Archives exist both to preserve historic materials and to make them available for use.

  • Search HOLLIS for Archival Discovery to locate archives at Harvard Library, including at the Harvard Divinity School Library. 
  • Use HOLLIS Special Request  to make appointments to use archives in-person or to request a scan.
  • Harvard Digital Collections  Free, public access to digitized objects in Harvard's archival collections, from ancient manuscripts to modern audio visual materials.

Beyond Harvard

  • Use ArchiveGrid  to search finding aids from many repositories.

  • Digital Public Library of America  Free, public access to digitized materials from libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural institutions across the country.

  • Archive Finder (Harvard Login required) identifies collections held at over 5,000 repositories in the United States, United Kingdom, and Ireland.

 Contact a research librarian for more help finding archives.