Primary source materials are often housed in an archive or a library's special collections. That's because these materials are often unique, and fragile. Sometimes they're irreplaceable. Archival materials are often housed at university libraries but also historical societies, museums, state libraries, public or regional libraries, and private collections.

In most cases, you will need to go to an archive to use the materials. It's always a good idea to call ahead and make an appointment.

How do you know where to find archival materials on your topic?

Regional collections:

• The Northwest Digital Archives provides access to access to archival collections in archives, libraries, and museums in the Northwest. Want to know more? Visit their "What will I find?" page.
• State Digital Resources: Memory Projects, Online Encyclopedias, Historical & Cultural Materials Collections
• Search for [your state name] and digital collections OR [your state name] and archives to find regional collections in your area.

U.S. or Worldwide collections: Find out where materials are located.

• ArchiveGrid: Find where historical documents, personal papers, manuscripts, and family histories are located. Search for an archive near you. Not all the collections you find listed here are digital.
• WorldCat: This catalog of library collections contains millions of records for archives, books, journals, dissertations, audio-visual materials, and manuscripts in repositories throughout the world.