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Religion Collections in Libraries and Archives: Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia

Smithsonian Libraries and Archives: National Museum of American History Library

Introductory Information

Smithsonian Libraries and Archives: National Museum of American History Library External

Address: NMAH Room 5016, Smithsonian Institution, PO Box 37012, MRC 630, Washington, DC 20013

Telephone number: 202-633-3865

Contact information: [email protected]

Online catalog External

Digital Collections link External

Access Policies

Hours of service External

Open to the public: Yes, by appointment

Interlibrary loan: Yes

Reference policy: Reference requests are accepted by: phone or by email at [email protected] External or [email protected] External

Background note:
The branch library opened in 1964 as part of the Museum of History and Technology. The Museum’s name changed in 1980 to the National Museum of American History (NMAH) to better reflect its mission -- the collection, care, and study of objects reflecting the experience of the American people. The NMAH Library supports research in all areas of American history, including social, cultural, political, and economic events and development, along with their impact on everyday American life; advances in technology, including machinery and transportation; scientific and medical history.

Content

Books and monographs
The NMAH Library collection holds approximately 350 volumes on religion with publishing dates from the 1850s to the present. The focus of this collection is all aspects of religion in America, with an emphasis on church history, Southwestern missions (history and architectural history), the effects of religion on American culture and politics, as well as religion and ethnic communities in the United States.

Databases and/or electronic resources External

Digital collections External

Subject Headings

United States – Religion; United States -- Religion – History; United States -- Church history; Immigrants -- Religious life -- United States; Church buildings; Missions and missionaries--Southwest United States; Christianity and culture -- United States – History.