Archives
The Society's own records from 1812 through 1959 are open for research
use. In addition to documenting the workings of the Society itself, the
AAS archives are useful to scholars of nineteenth- and twentieth- century
American life, particularly those examining such topics as the rise of
learned institutions, the growth of research collections and patterns of
collecting, bibliography, philanthropy, ethnology, archaeology, specific
Society members, and United States, Massachusetts, and Worcester history.
Since its founding, the Society has actively contributed to the
understanding of this country's history by its commitment to accumulating,
preserving, and disseminating information about the United States, and by
aiding scholarly research in its collections. The Society's history
mirrors that of the United States; AAS grew and became a more professional
organization, reflecting the intellectual changes taking place in this
country.
The records of the Society are organized in series according to function,
and within series they are arranged in chronological order. Correspondence
is arranged chronologically by decade, and, within each decade, is
arranged alphabetically by correspondent. A card index in the manuscripts
room provides some subject access to correspondence written between 1920
and 1970. In addition to correspondence, the AAS archives contain meeting
minutes of the Council of the Society, financial records, accession
records, library catalogs, publications, and visitors' registers. A
detailed finding aid is available. The use of post-1959 materials is
subject to restrictions. See the Policy on
Access to the AAS
Archives. Researchers interested in post-1959 records should consult
with
the curator of manuscripts.
- Barbara T. Simmons, former Curator of Manuscripts; updated by Thomas
G. Knoles, Curator of Manuscripts
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Finding Aids
Archives, 1812-present.
Series Description
Contents Lists:
Archives, 1812-1959
Correspondence and Documents,
1812-1959
For current information on the cataloging status of this and
other AAS collections, choose "Collection Access" below.
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