Collections and Archives Access

We strive to make our vast national collections accessible, both online and in person, to anyone with a research question related to our collections. Visiting researchers include community groups, culture-bearers, students, anthropologists, artists, historians and museum professionals.

Visit Archives or Collections

Access to archives and collections is by appointment only; we have a limited number of slots and staff. Please request an appointment at least a month in advance, and wait for confirmation on dates before booking travel: 

• Request an appointment

If your research involves Biological Anthropology collections, please fill out the Human Remains Research Approval Form (instead of the above) at least 90 days in advance. Access to these collections requires additional review and approvals: cf. Reckoning with Human Remains at the Smithsonian.

Location and hours

• Our archives and collections are at the Museum Support Center (MSC) at 4210 Silver Hill Road, Suitland, Maryland.
• Archives appointments are available Tuesday-Friday, 10am to 4pm, excluding federal holidays.
• Collections appointments are available Monday-Friday, 9am to 4:30 pm, excluding federal holidays.
• Additional Visitor Information for MSC

Collections Visitor Agreements

You will sign one of these agreements:

• NAA Visitor Policy (for visitors working in the Archives, with photos, fieldnotes, manuscripts, etc.)
• Anthropology Collections Visitor Agreement (for visitors working with objects)

Repatriation-related visits

Repatriation-related visits should be scheduled directly with the Repatriation Office.

Related Collections Nearby in Suitland, MD

The collections and archives of the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) are housed at the Cultural Resources Center, located next door to the Museum Support Center. Please contact NMAI staff for an appointment.

Contact Us

• Questions about collections in the National Anthropological Archives? Contact the archivists at naa@si.edu or call 301-238-1310.
• Questions about the Anthropology collections? Email AnthroCollections@si.edu
• Questions about the collections at the Human Studies Film Archives? Contact the archivists at hsfa@si.edu