|
|
 |
|
|
|
Archives & Special Collections
| Archives & Special Collections acquires, describes and catalogs, preserves, and makes available original (primary) source materials and information services. It supports the information needs, primary research, and programs of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and its members, Tribal employees, and the public. Archives & Special Collections supports research in Mashantucket Pequot history and culture in particular, as well as other Native North American histories and cultures. It supports research in social, political, and religious relations between Native Americans and non-Natives; the use and occupancy of lands by Native Americans; the roles of the colonial, federal, and state governments, especially those of Rhode Island and Connecticut, in Native affairs; the depiction of Native Americans in popular culture; as well as other subjects.
|
Access to Materials
| Materials in Archives & Special Collections are used in the A&SC Reading Room and may not be removed. Staff may provide individual consultation to on-site researchers. Researchers are encouraged to make an advance appointment so that staff can provide optimal service. Off-site researchers can send reference inquiries and request further information by email: archive@mptn-nsn.gov .
Bibliographic access to the materials is provided on-site through the Online Catalog; local MS Access databases; and bibliographies and finding aids. Catalog records are also in the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN), which is available through the Library of Congress on the Internet at: http://lcweb.loc.gov/coll/nucmc .
|
|
Frequently Asked Questions
|
Using the Archives & Special Collections
| Who can use the Archives & Special Collections?
Archives & Special Collections is open to the general public, 14 years of age and older, during the designated hours. No fee is required to use the materials. However, specific collections have restrictions on use and the Online Catalog should be consulted in determining this.
I am trying to find out about my Native American ancestry. Can you help me with genealogical research?
Archives & Special Collections does not offer assistance with genealogical research because we have no trained genealogists on staff nor do we collect items which would specifically support research in family history.
Why are there so many rules and procedures for using archival collections?
Adhering to the rules and following procedures reduce the risk of damage and theft, ensuring the availability of collections to future researchers.
Do I need to make an appointment to do research in Archives & Special Collections?
Appointments help us serve you better since many resource materials in Archives & Special Collections can be difficult and time consuming to use. An appointment also ensures staff availability for your visit.
|
Archives and Special Collections Repositories
| What is an archives?
-
The documents created or received and accumulated by a person or organization in the course of the conduct of affairs, and preserved because of their continuing value. Historically, the term referred more narrowly to the noncurrent records of an organization or institution preserved because of their continuing value for research purposes.
-
The building or part of a building where archival materials are located; also referred to as an archival repository.
- The agency or program responsible for selecting, acquiring, preserving, and making available archival materials; also referred to as an archival agency, archival institution, or archival program. (Society of American Archivists, A Glossary for Archivists, Manuscript Curators, and Records Managers)
What is a special collections?
Special collections include manuscript collections, such as personal and family papers, individual manuscripts, broadsides, prints, maps, photographs, sheet music, printed books, including rare books, pamphlets, oral history tapes and transcriptions, diaries, scrapbooks, and newspapers. Special collections are systematically developed to bring together all the materials about a particular subject or field of knowledge, especially those which are consonant with an institution's mission and research programs. Special collections usually have topical and geographical focuses.
What is a manuscript?
Manuscripts usually have historical or literary value or significance. The term is variously used to refer to archives, to artificial collections of documents acquired from various sources usually according to a plan but without regard to provenance, and to individual documents acquired by a manuscript repository because of their significance. (Society of American Archivists, A Glossary for Archivists, Manuscript Curators, and Records Managers)
What is a manuscript repository?
An institution that collects papers, manuscripts, and, frequently, records/archives of other institutions, usually in accordance with a predetermined acquisition policy. (Society of American Archivists, A Glossary for Archivists, Manuscript Curators, and Records Managers)
What are primary sources?
A primary source is a source that is contemporary to the events being examined. It is generally created by participants in, or witnesses to, the events. For further information see Primary Sources Research Colloquium in [ ] History prepared by Suzanne Lorimer, available on Yale University's library web site.
|
|
Contact Information
| Archives & Special Collections
Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center
110 Pequot Trail
Mashantucket, CT 06338
Telephone: (860) 396-7020
Email: archive@mptn-nsn.gov
The Archives & Special Collections accepts reference requests by electronic mail. All requests for information are given prompt attention but an immediate response is not always possible. Staff members cannot undertake extensive research but will, within reasonable limits, provide information from or about the Archives & Special Collections holdings. Thank you for your patience, and for your interest in our collections.
|
|
If complete return address information is not included, your response may be delayed.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
