Find Records

This web page is your gateway to unique historical materials held in archives around the country related to national K-12 education policy since the 1940s.

Archives and libraries make information about their records available in different ways, so here are several different tools you can use to find records. Each automatically limits your searches to help you find only archival records (not publications).

Search archives/library catalogs nationwide using WorldCat.

Tip: Your keyword search will find catalog entries describing materials held in archives and libraries throughout the world. To filter your search so it returns mainly archival materials (not books and periodicals), on the WorldCat page, click on Format menu and select Archival Materials.

Search federal records related to education policy in the National Archives.

Tip: The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) holds extensive records of the federal government’s education agencies, programs, and policies.

Search online catalogs of selected repositories.

Tip: Use this option to see a list of repositories known to hold education policy records, and visit their catalogs one at a time.

Selected Library of Congress search terms may help you in your searches.

Tip: These terms, organized by sub-topics in education, are often used by archivists in creating catalog records. You can type or copy and paste them into your search windows.