Archives

The NIST Archives located in Gaithersburg, MD covers a wide range of topics, including scientific research, engineering projects, public policy initiatives, and biographical information on current and past employees. The archives include materials from the 19th century to the present day. The NIST Archives is a valuable resource for researchers, historians, and anyone interested in learning more about the history of the National Bureau of Standards / National Institute of Standards and Technology, metrology, standardization, and science and technology in the United States.

The physical archives consists of 365.76 linear meters (1,200 linear feet) including:

• Audio-Visual materials
• Biographical information
• Correspondence
• Documents
• Drawings
• Maps/Blueprints
• Manuscripts
• Newsletters
• Reports

Finding Aids 

The archives is searchable using ArchiveSpace, which includes the following distinctions:

Collections

This distinction contains finding aids for fully cataloged materials.

Digital Materials

Unprocessed Materials

The archives is continuously collecting materials. This distinction includes newly acquired materials that have not been cataloged.

Subjects

Search the archives by topic.

Names

Index of names associated with archival materials. 

Postcards

• You can download and print (on 8 1/2" x 11" paper) postcards of some popular historic images:
  • Anechoic Chamber and Dish Smashing Machine
  • Automobile Testing and Miniature Radio
  • MAGIC computer and Optical Glass
  • Charters of Freedom and the Stepmeter
  • 1918 Personnel Photos and the Wind Tunnel
  • High Voltage Lab and Reflecting Telescope