Explore the Motion Picture and Audio Study Room located in College Park, Maryland
The National Archives in College Park, Maryland, offers a unique opportunity for researchers to delve into the past through its Moving Image and Sound Research Room. This specialized facility is part of the broader Moving Image and Sound Branch, which manages a vast collection of historical audiovisual materials.
In this research room, researchers can access original and digitized moving images, sound recordings, and historical films related to U.S. history and government activities. The room is equipped with facilities for the viewing and listening of various archival audiovisual formats, and is staffed by professionals who can assist with locating and using these valuable resources.
Researchers are encouraged to schedule visits in advance to make the most of their time. For film, a video recording device such as a phone, laptop, or video camera is recommended, while for digital files, a researcher's own personal electronic storage device is advised. For those who prefer not to bring their own equipment, the research room provides facilities to burn DVDs and copy files directly to a USB flash drive.
The research room also offers a variety of resources to aid in research, including finding aids such as card catalogs, preservation binders, and topic files. Researchers can use public access computer terminals to search NARA's Online Catalog and other online resources.
For those seeking textual records, a researcher can bring their own flatbed scanner, camera, and camera stand. If needed, copies can be made at the paper to paper copier in the room.
Outside vendors can provide duplication services for both broadcast and non-broadcast quality motion picture film, videotapes, and sound recordings. The National Archives also supplies intermediate copies of an archival original item to vendors for them to make a reproduction.
Researchers are expected to follow the National Archives Research Room Rules, which include rules for handling and protecting archival materials and equipment. Gloves are required when handling film, and NARA staff can help with handling and operation of the KEM if needed.
The Moving Image and Sound Research Room is located at the National Archives at College Park, MD 20740. It houses eight video viewing stations for viewing and listening to videotape or DVD reference copies from NARA's holdings. Many of NARA's reference copies exist on motion picture film reels, and equipment is provided to copy these to digital files or burn to a blank DVD.
For questions or more information about the National Archives, visit the Contact Us page. Researchers are encouraged to ask staff questions during their visit, and can contact [email protected] if planning a visit or for more information.
In summary, the Moving Image and Sound Research Room at the National Archives in College Park offers a wealth of historical audiovisual materials supported by professional archival expertise in a dedicated viewing environment. Whether you're a historian, a filmmaker, or simply a history enthusiast, this research room provides an invaluable resource for exploring the past.
- For those with an interest in fashion-and-beauty, education-and-self-development, or online-education, public access computer terminals in the research room allow researchers to search NARA's Online Catalog and other online resources.
- The Moving Image and Sound Research Room at the National Archives offers a variety of resources to aid in research, including topic files related to home-and-garden, technology, smartphones, and gadgets, in addition to the historical audiovisual materials.
- If you prefer to bring your own equipment, the research room provides facilities to burn DVDs and copy files directly to a USB flash drive, making it easier to save food-and-drink or travel footage.
- Outside vendors can provide duplication services for both broadcast and non-broadcast quality motion picture film, videotapes, and sound recordings, a useful resource for professionals in the film and fashion-and-beauty industries.
- Whether you're a historian, a filmmaker, or a food-and-drink aficionado with an eye for the latest gadgets, the Moving Image and Sound Research Room offers an invaluable resource for exploring the past, the present, and even potentially anticipating future trends through its vast collection of historical audiovisual materials.
