Hello Everyone,

I have just a couple of additional comments on Kathy's notes below regarding
rules and parking.

First...So you won't be alarmed, the requirement that you put all belongs in
a locker room (wear something with pockets for money for copying charges)
applies only to the research room with original documents, pension folders,
BLM boxes, various books, etc.   You get to remain fully armed (for research)
however, for researching the census records, military microfilms, pension
microfilms (Rev. War pension files).   The situation is similar to that at
the Library of Virginia, where you must put everything in a locker for
researching certain collections, though at NARA there is no limit on  copying
in the research room.

Second...I live in the area, and I would recommend, especially if there are
more than one of you, that you do consider parking in a commercial parking
lot by the Metro, particularly on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday when the
Archives are open until 9:00 p.m..  Yes, parking lots downtown (where I work)
have been known to close down before they are supposed to, but this isn't a
usual occurance because the business and other folks parking there raise holy
heck if they get stuck.  If you are worried about your car, leave for a break
and check on it, or after the meter charges/rush hour restrictions end
usually at 6:00, retrieve your car and park on the street (but make sure all
your vehicle registration is up to date.  If not, DC police WILL ticket and
even tow you if are also a Md, or VA resident).

I recommend this downtown parking because there are significant time and $s
involved in parking at an outlying metro garage, most of which fill up early
-- almost all street parking close to Metros is time restricted by residency
or metered.  If you park at a commercial lot close to a Metro, you face the
exact same problem with closing as downtown DC, and they are more inclined to
close early (around 8:00) than in DC.

The Archives opens at 8:45.    If you plan to arrive there about 8:15, you
will avoid the heaviest traffic.  There are alot of coffee bar type places
across Pennsylvania Avenue where you can wait if you get there early.

On Monday and Wednesday, the Archives closes at 5:00, which means that you
could get truly stuck in rush hour traffic, unless you use the time to walk
and visit some of the museums that are open until 8:00 during the summer or
have dinner.

On Saturday, the Reading Room, where you view the Civil War pension files,
etc., is not open, but the microfilm/census room is.  On Saturday if you get
there at opening you can be assured of free, unrestricted parking by the
Archives.  You can always find a free place during the day reasonably close
by (two blocks or so) unless there is a special event going on.

The basic Nara website is www.nara.gov
General information on hours is here:
http://www.archives.gov/facilities/dc/archives_1.html#hours

Best Regards,
Janet Hunter



In a message dated 8/11/2002 10:23:33 AM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:


> Katie and other listers,
>
> Lucky you to be going to the Archives!  It is truly a wonderful place!  I
> have no specific info on where to look for specific records, however, I
> thought you might be interested in some general info re: using the Archives.
> I used to go there frequently when I lived in MD but it's been at least five
> years since my last visit, so if things have changed I hope someone will
> jump in and correct me.
>
> First, get there very early --- as soon as they open --- and expect to stay
> there until they close if you want to make the most of your time.  It can
> take a VERY long time to get original records pulled.  I've waited hours for
> one record.  If you find something of interest, request it right away since
> you may have to wait for it, especially around lunch time.
>
> Expect to have to fill out a form and show ID to get a researcher's card
> before you will be allowed to go anywhere.  It's not a big deal, but takes
> time.
>
> You will not be allowed to take ANYTHING into the research room.  No bags,
> papers, notes, writing pad, pens, pencils, nada.  They provide cards and
> pencils.  You have to put all your stuff in a locker (bring coins!).  I was
> always using original records so this applied; I'm not sure if it also
> applies to the area that has card files, etc.  I don't know if they allow
> laptops now.
>
> You will be expected to maintain complete silence -- which they enforce.
> Which means if you go with someone, no talking above a very low whisper.
> They WILL tell you to shut up.  Very embarassing.
>
> Wear comfortable clothes that won't show dirt; some of those old records are
> absolutely filthy.  Especially anything bound in old morocco leather, which
> inevitably will be disintergrating.
>
> Since you live in DC you probably already know this, but for other listers:
> If you are driving, you might consider parking on the outskirts and taking
> the metro to the archives.  Parking in downtown DC is a nightmare.  Be very
> careful with the parking garages in the area.  I once made the mistake of
> parking in a garage near the Archives where the attendant assured me they
> would be open until midnight.  I left the Archives when they closed at 10:00
> pm, only to find that the garage was closed with my car locked inside.  I
> won't bore you with the story, suffice to say it involved getting the
> police, the building manager, and others before I could get the car.  So my
> caveat is:  be careful where you park!
>
> Have fun and prepare to be awed!  I hope I haven't scared anyone off.   NARA
> is a wonderful place full of amazing things, but they have their rules and
> it helps to know them before hand.
>
> Have a great time --- I am pea green with envy!
>
> Kathy Liston
>



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