NPS History Collection

Temporary Closure of NPS History Collection

Harpers Ferry Center's Willow Springs Facility in Charles Town, WV is undergoing a major renovation project in FY19. This work will improve environmental conditions for museum collection preservation, provide additional storage space for the archives, and conduct cyclic refreshing of floor coverings, finishes, and other building components. The closure of the NPS History Collection is effective at 5pm on October 13, 2013 and is expected to last until March 31, 2019.

The NPS History Collection preserves and shares the stories of the history, culture, management, resources, challenges, and successes of the National Park Service. The artifacts and records encompass the breadth and depth of the agency’s history.

NPS Director George B. Hartzog established the NPS History Collection at Harpers Ferry Center in November 1972. Today the collection comprises over 3.5 million objects and documents. Use our online resources to explore the many aspects of the National Park Service, get to know the men and women that manage and protect the National Park System, and celebrate more than 100 years of National Park Service history.

NPS Archives

Records detailing the ongoing challenges of the NPS mission to preserve park resources unimpaired for future generations while making them accessible for today's visitors. See how the collection can help you learn more about our management history and issues here.

NPS Historic Photograph Collection

Images of America’s special places, the people that care for them, and the visitors that love them. Search here to see if there is anyone you know or anywhere you have been in our online selection from the 400,000 images in the collection.

NPS Oral History Collection

Stories of NPS history, adventure, humor, tragedy, camaraderie, and family told by the men and women of the the NPS in their own words. Learn more here.

NPS Uniform Collection

The NPS uniform is an iconic symbol of our staff and mission recognized around the world and one we wear with pride. See how the uniform has changed over time.

NPS History Collection

Objects that connect people to our history from before the founding of the NPS to today. Search the NPS Web Catalog to see a selection of objects.

Learn More about National Park Service History

The following resources can help you learn more about our history:

• National Park Service History Program

• National Park Service Library Program

• Museum of theNational Park Ranger at Yellowstone National Park

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I tour the NPS History Collection?
Museum collection storage areas are not open to the public. The NPS History Collection is available for research by appointment only.

When can researchers access the collection?
The NPS History Collection is generally available for research by appointment weekdays only from 9:30am-4:30pm. Staff tries to accomodate requested appointment days and time, but alternative days or times may be necessary as staff and space are limited.

Who do I contact to set up a research visit?
Contact the archivist for more information. Before scheduling a reseach appointment, the archivist will discuss your research topic with you to get a better sense of how the collection may meet your needs and to coordinate the visit.

How do I request copies of materials in the NPS History Collection?
All requests for copies of materials from the NPS History Collection must be submitted on the user agreement form, available here. Federal employees seeking copies for official business should use the federal user agreement form. Once completed please email them to the archivist.

Is there a cost to get copies of photographs or documents?
Currently there is no cost for scans of photographs or documents in the NPS History Collection. A cost recovery progran is currently under development. This information will be updated as that program is implemented.