Musings of a NARA Researcher: Research Pathways

In my two previous blog posts, I shared some of the key insights and lessons I gained while working on a digitization project for the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in Seattle. Those posts focused on how I came to be involved in the project and the many challenges—technical, material, and emotional—that came with it.

This time, I want to shift focus and highlight something just as valuable: the research knowledge and pathways we learned through our conversations with the incredible staff at NARA Seattle. While our primary role was digitization, Angie and I also learned a great deal about how researchers can navigate the archives to locate materials related to boarding schools, Indigenous communities, and Tribal histories—knowledge that could benefit others embarking on similar work.

First, if you haven’t come across it yet, NARA offers a wealth of online resources for researchers through their Native American Heritage webpage. This page is incredibly comprehensive—and yes, a bit intimidating at first—but if you’re looking for records related to Native American history within NARA’s holdings, it’s absolutely worth taking the time to explore.

Start with the main page, but don’t skip the “Additional Resources” link at the bottom. It takes you to a separate section with instructional videos, research guides, and other practical tools that can help you get oriented.

An image of the NARA Native American records guide that was created in the 80’s that can still be found today through some vendors despite it being out of print.

If you’re more of a tactile researcher—or just appreciate a good old-fashioned book—there’s also the Guide to Records in the National Archives of the United States Relating to American Indians, published in 1981 and compiled by Edward E. Hill. While some of the information may be dated, it’s still a solid reference for understanding the scope and structure of NARA’s holdings. The book is out of print but you still may be able to find a copy for sale somewhere. I found mine on Ebay.

All of these tools are incredibly useful no matter which NARA branch you visit. But as Angie and I quickly learned, nothing beats the knowledge of the archivists on the ground.

The staff at NARA Seattle—especially the women we worked with—blew us away with their depth of expertise and their willingness to guide us through the various pathways for locating records. Their insight was essential in helping us uncover materials we may not have found otherwise. From navigating complex record groups to understanding how certain collections were processed or described, their guidance made all the difference.

I recognize that not everyone has the ability to visit a NARA branch in person—especially if, like us, you’re coming from a remote or rural area. But if you do get the chance, I highly encourage spending multiple days—not just one—on-site. The more time you spend there, the better you'll understand how their collections are organized, what tools are available, and how to work with them effectively. Let’s be real—the way the federal government organizes its archives is bonkers. As an accidental archivist, I’ve found it nearly impossible to navigate on my own. Most days, it feels like being a stranger in a strange land.

So here’s my best advice:
Invest real time in your research phase. Ask questions. Ask for help. Ask again.
You’ll not only save time and reduce stress—you might also uncover more than you ever expected.

Happy researching, and good luck!