Making Access Happen: Subject Matter Experts Dig Deep Into History
By Mary C. Ryan
WASHINGTON, DC
Navigating billions of records at the National Archives can be daunting. Records are not organized by subject, like a library catalog. Material relating to a single topic can be spread over several “record groups” (the basic organizational unit of the National Archives, each comprising the records of a major government entity).
To help enhance the researcher experience, the National Archives developed the Subject Matter Expert Program. The program began in 2018 with five subject matter experts. Now the team has 12 experts, including a recent addition in women’s history hired in March 2024.
“We are committed to supporting a dynamic program that actively responds to researcher needs and interests,” said Chris Naylor, Executive for Research Services. “Each subject matter expert has deep knowledge about the federal records relating to their specific topics. They use this expertise to guide researchers through complicated research topics, bring attention to underused holdings, and make complex records more accessible through the reference process.”
In addition, these experts are ambassadors for Archives records and other holdings. They participate in media interviews, write articles, and are active in professional organizations. These activities engage the researcher community and fellow colleagues and strengthen collaborations with agencies whose records come to the Archives.
“The subject matter experts also plan and carry out projects to improve access to the records in their topical subject areas. The web pages, blog posts, and presentations are examples of other resources that will benefit the public in years to come,” said Haley Birnbaum, Subject Matter Expert Coordinator.
Subject-oriented web pages on Archives.gov exist for many of the topical areas. The pages explain the types of records that pertain to a particular topic and give advice on how to navigate Archives records so that the researcher can have the best possible online experience.
The experts also participate in the Know Your Records Program and write History Hub blog posts to highlight and explain records that may otherwise be difficult to explore. Their recorded presentations at the annual Genealogy Series are available to view on the National Archives YouTube channel.
Subject matter experts work in the following areas:
- NASA and Related Records
- Native American Related Records
- Immigrant Related Records
- Asian American and Pacific Islander Related Records
- Records Relating to the African American Experience
- Modern Military
- Genealogy and Census Records
- U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard Records
- Records Related to Women's History
To make a research inquiry:
Send a detailed email about your topic to inquire@nara.gov. Prior to reaching out, we encourage you to search the National Archives Catalog and Archives.gov to identify relevant records. In your email, please provide as much detail as possible regarding your request (e.g., time period, agency and office, and any relevant Catalog and web links identified in your initial search).
OR
Post your question on History Hub, where other researchers and National Archives staff are available to assist you. Search History Hub before posting a new question to see if the information you are looking for is already available.