How To: Getting Started with Research
If you are just beginning your research journey with the City Archives & Special Collections, this is the place for you! This post will introduce you to our vast collection holdings, provide access points for different media and collections, and give you tips on how to research with us.
Our Collection
The primary focus of our collection are the historic records of the City of New Orleans Government. That includes records from the mayoral administrations, city councils, and various city agencies. Our municipal records date back to 1769 with the founding of the Spanish Cabildo.
We also hold historic records of the Civil and Criminal Courts of Orleans Parish, along with other parish offices that function in close proximity to city offices or were at one time under the city’s jurisdiction.
Our genealogy collection focuses on the City of New Orleans, but does include materials from neighboring parishes and states. If you are interested in conducting genealogy research, please review our Genealogy Guide as your first step.
Our Special Collections include records, photographs, and ephemera focused on New Orleans, Louisiana, and the Gulf Coast.
Ask an Archivist
Got a question? Ask an archivist. Questions are answered Monday-Friday, 10-4pm.
Open Hours
Monday-Friday 10-5
Closed on Saturday and Sunday
Getting Started
The best place to start is to search for information available on our website. You can use the search bar at the top right hand corner to search for information related to your topic. We have also created guides for specific research topics that you can view to assist in your searches of City Archives, Genealogy, Property Research, and Court Records.
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Finding Aids
Our collection materials are described in Finding Aids, which are stored in our content management system ArchivesSpace. Finding Aids provide in-depth information about the records in our collection, including dates, formats, call numbers, and descriptions. Finding Aids work in conjunction with our website to help researchers locate and request relevant materials. Researchers can directly search for materials in ArchivesSpace by clicking the “Search our Collections” link at the top of every page. Additional information about using ArchivesSpace is available in the blog post to the right.
Be sure to check out our How To blog series for more tips on using our collection materials!
Photographs and Digital Content
Looking for pictures or digital content? Search our digital platform Contentdm. All of our scanned materials are viewable and searchable on this platform. Search by collection, subject, keyword, or just browse the available images. Our digital library includes 1,000s of pictures, posters, slides, scanned court records, maps, ephemera, and publications.
Newspapers and Serials
We hold a vast collection of newspapers that are available digitally and on microfilm. Newspapers provide a wealth of information to inform your research. There might even be a picture of the person or event that you are researching. For a full listing of available newspapers, their date ranges, and formats, see the link to the right.
Our serials are locally published municipal and non-municipal materials, including neighborhood association newsletters, city agency newsletters, small press publications, journals on regionally specific topics, genealogy materials, and more. For more information on serials, see the link to the right.
Newspapers and Serials
Books
Be sure to consult the library’s online catalog for our reference books, published city documents, and state documents to aid in research. Indexing for some city documents in available on site is the archives.
Remote Research
Located out of town? View the research services that we offer our remote patrons through requesting copies below. If you have any additional questions, contact us at Ask An Archivist.
Request Copies
Request Materials
Once you have located items you are interested in, request materials and set an appointment for your visit.
Book an Appointment
Researchers are encouraged schedule an appointment prior to visiting to ensure materials are available.
Ask an Archivist
Got a question? Ask an archivist. Questions are answered Monday-Friday, 10-4pm.
This post was written by Brittanny Silva in 2024.