NMAI Object Collections Requests

NMAI Object Collections Requests
Cultural Resources Center, Suitland, Maryland

The NMAI offers three options to access the collections. Please review the following information and select one or more request type to proceed.

Object Collections Report Request

Comprehensive object collections reports are available by request through the form on the next page. As a first step, we suggest browsing NMAI Collections Search for information on selected archaeological, ethnographic/historical cultural items, modern/contemporary art, and archival documents.

Object Collections Research Visit Request

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NMAI is currently processing a backlog of research requests. You may want to consider if your research needs could be met by requesting a collections report.

The NMAI welcomes a variety of researchers to request access: artists, Native constituents, community groups, museum workers and more. The NMAI object collections are housed at the Cultural Resources Center (CRC), 4220 Silver Hill Road, Suitland, Maryland. Virtual or in-person research visits to the CRC must be requested by completing the form on the next page. Access to the collections is in high demand. Requests are approved on a case-by-case basis contingent on staff availability. Researchers are assisted by Collections Management staff at all times.

To help us accommodate your needs, please provide as much relevant information as possible in the form on the next page, including a short description of the purpose of your visit. To prepare for your visit, we strongly suggest that you use NMAI Collections Search to identify what you are interested in, and that you share that information with us in the request form if possible. 
 
Research appointments may be scheduled from 9:30 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays.

Object Collections Tour Request

The Cultural Resources Center (CRC) is not a public facility; however, limited general tours of the CRC for Native groups, visiting museum professionals, scholars, and researchers may be requested and are limited to 20 adults over the age of 18 years. Larger groups may be accommodated upon request. 

Tours may be scheduled from 9:30 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. Requests are approved on a case-by-case basis, contingent on staff availability.

For appointments to access the NMAI Archive Center Collections (paper, photo, and media) or to obtain digital images, contact the Archive Center.

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