Search
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.
Search the Collections
Visit the Collections
Access to the collections and the archives is provided by appointment only. We have a very limited number of staff available to assist researchers. Therefore, we suggest that you request your appointment at least a month in advance. Please wait for confirmation of an appointment before making travel plans:
If your research involves the Biological Anthropology collections, please fill out the Human Remains Research Approval Form (instead of the appointment form above) at least 3 months in advance. Access to these collections is restricted, and your proposal will require additional review and approvals within the Smithsonian. Please see Reckoning with Human Remains at the Smithsonian for more information.
Location and hours
- Our collections are housed at the Museum Support Center (MSC) at 4210 Silver Hill Road, Suitland, Maryland.
- Collections appointments are available Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm, excluding federal holidays.
- Archives appointments are available Wednesday through Friday, 9:30am to 3:30 pm, excluding federal holidays.
- Additional Visitor Information for MSC
Collections Visitor Agreements
You will be required to 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