The AMNH Central Archives consists of 826 boxes of correspondence and materials from the central administrative filing system of American Museum of Natural History, as well as 99 boxes of supporting index materials and card catalogs. Materials cover the overall administration of the museum including but not limited to, construction, finances, expeditions, education programs, reports and minutes, collections, employees, board of trustees, relations with the city, publications, membership, and special events. The collection materials span from the foundation of the museum in 1869 to 1985 with the bulk of materials covering 1900-1975. The collection includes blueprints, photographs, illustrations, newspaper clippings, postcards, and ephemera.