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Photographic Archives

The Photographic Archives houses almost 2 million photographs and associated records and manuscripts. Its mission is to collect significant documentary photograph collections, to organize the collections and to make them available to both the researcher and the casual browser. This is accomplished through our reference service, searching our subject files (copies of photographs arranged by subject), exhibitions, publications, and other programs.

Hundreds of discrete collections include national documentary projects, local history photographs and an excellent museum collection of fine prints. Use of our reading room and exhibitions gallery is free and open to the public.

Featured Collections

Current Exhibit

Roy Stryker Papers

Manuscripts, correspondence and vintage prints from the Stryker-directed projects--Farm Security Administration (FSA), the Standard Oil (New Jersey) Co. and Jones & Laughlin Steel. More information.

Fine Art Photographs

Photographs by Ansel Adams, Stern J. Bramson, Paul Caponigro, Walker Evans, Arthur Fellig (Weegee), Phillipe Halsman, Dorothea Lange, Lisette Model, Edwin and Louise Rosskam, Arthur Rothstein, Ben Shahn, Edward Weston, Minor White, Marion Post Wolcott, and hundreds of contemporary American artists.

Local History Collections

Over one-half million local history photographs

• Caufield & Shook Studio (1904-1978)
• Lin Caufield Studio (1954-1980)
• James N. Keen photograph collection (1932-1974)
• Royal Photo Company (1903-1973)
• R. G. Potter Collection
• Kate Matthews Collection

Appalachian photographs

• The Arthur Y. Ford Albums
• The Jean Thomas Collection
• The Claude C. Matlack/Oneida School Collection
• The Henderson Settlement School Collection