AMNH Central Archives

The Central Archives is divided into 3 series: Central Archives I c.1869-1924, Index Numbers 1-1114 Central Archives II: 1925-c.1985, Index Numbers 1115-1292 Central Archives III: supporting materials. The Index Guides and Card Catalogs

Every subject was assigned an Index Number within the Central Files and, upon incorporation into the Central Files, every item was marked with the relevant Index Number that can be seen on the top right corner. Additionally, materials were cross indexed within the Central Archives card catalog. Such relevant Index Numbers may appear throughout a document. The Index Number on the upper right hand corner will indicate the primary subject and where the item is filed. Classification and indexing were done according to action by the museum rather than correspondent. Inter-museum classification was indexed from the administrative point of view.

Central Archives I (c. 1869-1924) was created ad hoc. There is no file plan or system of organization. Some Index Numbers are assigned to multiple subjects and some subjects have multiple index numbers (ex: Morris K. Jesup).

Central Archives II (1925-c1980) was planned out before implementation and focuses more on administrative organization. Individuals are no longer assigned Index Numbers, instead the focus is on departments, expeditions, publications, etc. The organization system and hierarchies have been kept in place and can be seen in the finding aid. With a few possible exceptions, any name changes within an Index Number come directly from the Index Guides and supporting documentation. Explanations of these changes are included in the Notes fields in the finding aid.

Central Archives III consists of the Index Guide and Card Catalogs, which are key to finding materials in the collection. The Index Guides for Central Archives I and II have been digitized and are available to researchers. A digital version of the Central Archives I and II Card Catalogs is available to research in the Museum Library Reading Room.

Because the Central Archives was created over a long time and so heavily cross-indexed, it is impossible to do away with the card catalogs or ingest that level of detailed information into this finding aid. The searchable card catalog is available in the Museum Library Reading Room. In some cases, the finding aid and search functions will get you exactly what you need, but in others you will also need to refer to the card catalog or staff for assistance. This is especially true when searching for individuals within the collection. The finding aid will direct you to the record specifically assigned to that subject, department, or individual giving you quick access to the exact box(es) and folder(s).

Example: Index Number 943: Sir Ernest H. Shackelton, see Box 198, Folder 19

Searching within the finding aid for Ernest Shackleton will lead you to his specific Index Number (Index Number 943). Searching the card catalog will give you this information and any other Index Number where he might appear, such as Index Number 211: Membership and Certificates, Index Number 545: Lecturers, and so on.