Manuscripts

Use of manuscripts collections requires advance notification as many collections are stored off site. Please contact us to confirm availability and make arrangements.

If your interest in our manuscripts collection is broad, we suggest you begin by consulting our Descriptive Catalog, which lists collections by general topic. 

If you know the name of a collection or want to search our findings aids by keywords, visit the Manuscripts Finding Aids. In most cases you will find a link to an online finding aid with folder registers and an index.

Some of our important collections were processed before the electronic age. If you find something in the Descriptive Catalog but don't see a finding aid online, contact us. Typed finding aids are available for most of these and can be viewed in the Paul F. Betz Reading Room.

Our Manuscripts do not circulate and may be viewed only in the Betz Reading Room. Click here for the Betz Reading Room use policies.

Access Guidelines for the Maryland Province Archives.

Contact Information

On-site research of manuscripts is strongly recommended. Researchers are required to make an appointment with the manuscripts staff before visiting. This will allow materials to be prepared and ensure a consistent point of contact with a staff member.