The State Archives of Florida
The State Archives of Florida preserves and makes available to the public the permanent historical public and private records of Florida in its holdings. The archives’ archival materials are organized into five collecting groups: State Government Public Records, Manuscript holdings, the Florida Photographic Collection, the Genealogical Collection, and the Local Public Records Collections. This finding aid focuses exclusively on the State Government Public Records and the Manuscript holdings.
The State Government Public Records “document the activities of Florida’s territorial and state government from 1821 to the present, providing a record of the functions and activities of the state’s executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government.” The Manuscript holdings “are composed of various collections from private citizens, religious organizations, businesses, and other non-public entities.”[1] Manuscripts differentiate from government records, as they are collections of personal or family papers.
This guide divides the records by record groups and manuscript collections. Within a record group, the records are arranged into series. Relevant series are listed under their respective record group. Descriptions for the records are provided at the collection and series levels. The descriptions include a brief summary of the series or collection; the extent of the records, usually in cubic feet; arrangement of the records; available finding aid; and historical background, additional resources, and restrictions on use, where applicable.
This information provides the researcher with the necessary information to determine the relevance and usability of a series or collection to their research. If a series containing 12 cubic feet is unarranged with a box listing, the researcher will know to allot more time to those records.
The State Government Public Records “document the activities of Florida’s territorial and state government from 1821 to the present, providing a record of the functions and activities of the state’s executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government.” The Manuscript holdings “are composed of various collections from private citizens, religious organizations, businesses, and other non-public entities.”[1] Manuscripts differentiate from government records, as they are collections of personal or family papers.
This guide divides the records by record groups and manuscript collections. Within a record group, the records are arranged into series. Relevant series are listed under their respective record group. Descriptions for the records are provided at the collection and series levels. The descriptions include a brief summary of the series or collection; the extent of the records, usually in cubic feet; arrangement of the records; available finding aid; and historical background, additional resources, and restrictions on use, where applicable.
This information provides the researcher with the necessary information to determine the relevance and usability of a series or collection to their research. If a series containing 12 cubic feet is unarranged with a box listing, the researcher will know to allot more time to those records.
Before Arriving at the ArchivesBefore researching at the State Archives of Florida, the researcher will need to familiarize his/herself with basic information on the archives and the rules of the facilities.
The State Archives is located at: R.A. Gray Building, Second Floor 500 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0250 The State Archives website contains additional information about the policies, statutory requirements, and holdings. |
The research room is open Monday through Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding state holidays. Researchers can park in Lot E, the parking garage adjacent to the building for free. The garage indicates that there is a parking fee, but researchers can obtain a parking token at the circulation desk.
The archives charges for copying, which has to be done by a staff member. Review the fee schedule here. Researchers are not allowed to make copies of the records unless they use a wand scanner, digital camera, or camera phone. Flash must be turned off.
To protect the collections, the State Archives has established rules for use. Researchers must register with the archives. He/she must lock their belongings, including bags, food, and oversized coats, in provided lockers. The researcher may bring a laptop, cell phone, books, and notebooks to the table. All items not placed in the lockers are subject to inspection by the archivist when the researcher is leaving.
The researcher may not use pens. The State Archives provides pencils. The researcher is limited to six boxes or volumes at a time. The archivist will review handling requirements, including only having one box and one folder open at a time; not leaning or writing on the materials; and maintaining the order of the records.
Though it is not required, the researcher should call (850.245.6719) or email the State Archives before their visit. This will ensure that the staff has the materials ready when the researcher arrives. The archivist also can answer any questions the researcher may have about the collections, or provide additional resources that researcher may not have identified.
The archives charges for copying, which has to be done by a staff member. Review the fee schedule here. Researchers are not allowed to make copies of the records unless they use a wand scanner, digital camera, or camera phone. Flash must be turned off.
To protect the collections, the State Archives has established rules for use. Researchers must register with the archives. He/she must lock their belongings, including bags, food, and oversized coats, in provided lockers. The researcher may bring a laptop, cell phone, books, and notebooks to the table. All items not placed in the lockers are subject to inspection by the archivist when the researcher is leaving.
The researcher may not use pens. The State Archives provides pencils. The researcher is limited to six boxes or volumes at a time. The archivist will review handling requirements, including only having one box and one folder open at a time; not leaning or writing on the materials; and maintaining the order of the records.
Though it is not required, the researcher should call (850.245.6719) or email the State Archives before their visit. This will ensure that the staff has the materials ready when the researcher arrives. The archivist also can answer any questions the researcher may have about the collections, or provide additional resources that researcher may not have identified.
Notes:
[1] State Archives of Florida, “State Archives of Florida Collection Development Policy,” January 2010, http://dos.myflorida.com/media/32489/collectionpolicy2010.pdf, 3.
[1] State Archives of Florida, “State Archives of Florida Collection Development Policy,” January 2010, http://dos.myflorida.com/media/32489/collectionpolicy2010.pdf, 3.