This section of the Archives databases is just a small fraction of what the Archives hold, it is an important subset that is very useful for genealogy researchers.
From the Archives website: “You will find in the Access to Archival Databases (AAD) resource online access to records in a small selection of historic databases preserved permanently in NARA. NARA has selected less than 1% of the data files in its holdings for public searching through AAD. We selected these data because the records identify specific persons, geographic areas, organizations, and dates. The records cover a wide variety of civilian and military functions and have many genealogical, social, political, and economic research uses. AAD provides:
- Access to over 247 million historic electronic records created by more than 40 agencies of the US federal government and from collections of donated historical materials.
- Both free-text and fielded searching options.
- The ability to retrieve, print, and download records with the specific information that you seek.
- Information to help you find and understand the records.”
Below is a list with links to the various AAD databases.
Genealogy & Personal History
Casualties
AAD.Archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=GP21
Civilians
AAD.Archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=GP22
Military Personnel
AAD.Archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=GP23
Passenger Lists
AAD.Archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=GP44
Prisoners of War
AAD.Archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=GP24
Indexes
Photographs
AAD.Archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=IT40
Textual Records
AAD.Archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=IT41
Private Sector
Businesses
AAD.Archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=PS31
Foundations
AAD.Archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=PS32
Labor Unions
AAD.Archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=PS33
Securities
AAD.Archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=PS34
Places
Countries
AAD.Archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=PL35
States
AAD.Archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=PL36
Counties
AAD.Archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=PL37
Cities/Towns
AAD.Archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=PL38
Zip Codes
AAD.Archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=PL39
Wars & International Relations
Civil War
AAD.Archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=WR25
World War II
AAD.Archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=WR26
Korean War
AAD.Archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=WR27
Vietnam War
AAD.Archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=WR28
Cold War
AAD.Archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=WR42
Diplomatic Records
AAD.Archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=WR43
Government Spending
Contracts
AAD.Archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=GS29
Grants and Assistance
AAD.Archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=GS30
Time Spans
1800 –1900
AAD.Archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=TS20
1900 –1940
AAD.Archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=TS13
1940 –1955
AAD.Archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=TS14
1955 –1965
AAD.Archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=TS15
1965 –1975
AAD.Archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=TS16
1975 –1985
AAD.Archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=TS17
1985 –1995
AAD.Archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=TS18
1995 – present
AAD.Archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=TS19
Social Security Administration’s (SSA)
Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT)
This database contains Claim Files that have information extracted from Social Security life or death claims for 25 million deceased individuals. The records include information such as name, social security number, birth date, and birthplace. This is in addition to the nearly 50 million death records and 72 million application (SS-5) records. The URL is:
aad.Archives.gov/aad/series-description.jsp?s=5057&cat=all&bc=sl
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