The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) has microfilmed a large number of records identified as having high research value. Generally, if a series has been filmed, the microfilm version is used for research rather than the original which helps to preserve the fragile, original documents from potential damage, deterioration, and loss. Microfilm also increases access, making valuable NARA records available to researchers in many parts of the county.
National Archives microfilm publications are divided into two series, identified by numbers beginning with "M" or "T." Usually each M publication reproduces an entire series of records, many of which are accompanied by what is referred to as a descriptive pamphlet (DP), with explanatory material prepared by archivists to help researchers better use the record series. "T" microfilm publications, in contrast, do not usually reproduce a complete series of records; often containing only a portion of a larger series. These "T" publications do not have descriptive pamphlets associated with them.
When using a NARA microfilm publication for the first time, it is good practice to first review the accompanying descriptive pamphlet (DP), when available. These provide helpful information about the records and microfilm set on which they are preserved. This may include a roll-by-roll descriptive list, as well as background information on the origin and arrangement of the records, the information that they include, any oddities that might arise during use, and other important details for researchers, such as information about missing records, and sometimes a special list or index prepared to simplify the use of the microfilm publication.
How to Access Free NARA Descriptive Pamphlets (DPs) Online
National Archives' Descriptive Pamphlets are available for free online through the National Archives website. They are hiding under the "Shop Online" system, but you do not have to register or pay anything to access NARA's free Descriptive Pamphlets.- From the National Archives home page, select "Shop Online"
http://www.archives.gov/shop/
- Under "Buy Reproductions and Microfilm" select the "Order Reproductions" link:
https://eservices.archives.gov/orderonline/
Once you've arrived at the Publication Summary page, look for a link to "View Important Publication Details" on the far right side. This will provide access the Descriptive Pamphlet. Depending on your computer and settings, the PDF may download automatically, or you may be presented with the option to "Open & Print" or "Download."
See it in Action
M1407 Barred and Disallowed Case Files of the Southern Claims Commission, 1871-1880
The descriptive pamphlet for this microfilm publication (also available on Fold3.com) provides a lot of good background on why these records were created, including the act of Congress that established the Southern Claims Commission, the years in which they operated, and the number of claims they processed, both accepted and rejected. In addition, you can also learn what types of documents you can expect to find in a typical case file.
A case file may contain any or all of the following types of documents: claimant's petition, depositions of neighbors and other acquaintances, notes of the special agent investigating the case, reports from the Treasury Department relative to its search of captured Confederate records for any indication of disloyalty, and the final summary and recommendation of the commissioners.Some descriptive pamphlets also include a section on Related Records that may point to additional resources for researchers of that particular record group. The DP for M1407, for example, tells us that expected claims not found in the records of the Southern Claims Commission might be found among of the records of the U.S. Court of Claims.
The absence of any regularly established tribunal for the adjudication of claims by Southern Unionists, the dissatisfaction of many claimants with the outcome of their cases, and objections to the act of March 3, 1873, which declared that all claims not presented by that date "shall be deemed to be barred forever thereafter," led to the Bowman Act of 1883 and the Tucker Act of 1887. Under the provisions of these acts, Congress could reconsider any of the claims previously handled by the Southern Claims Commission and transmit them to the U.S. Court of Claims for review and recommendation. The result is that some case files for disallowed or barred claims of the Southern Claims Commission are in Records of the U.S. Court of Claims, Record Group 123
Seven different Microfilm Catalogs have been published by NARA which bring together the information contained in a select group of Descriptive Pamphlets. Examples include Genealogical and Biographical Research and Federal Court Records. You can view these and other catalogs online on NARA's Microfilm Catalogs page. These catalogs are also available as a guide to categorized microfilm publications and their accompanying DPs on the NARA microfilm search page. Select Advanced Search and then choose a topic of interest from the Subject Catalog and click "search." You can also first enter a search term if you don't want to review the entire catalog. Results will return a list of the selected microfilm publications in that catalog; click on any of the publications to bring up the publication summary and the link to "Publication Details" (Descriptive Pamphlet).
Learn more about research through the U.S. National Archives website in my blog post Treasures of the U.S. National Archives Online, and more about research in the online records of the Southern Claims Commission in Dishing on the Neighbors: Records of the Southern Claims Commission.
Popular Record Groups for Research at NARA
Bounty Land Warrants
WWI and WWII Draft Registration Records
BIA Indian Census Rolls
Land Entry Case Files
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