Research at the State Archives
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Our Middlesex facility is undergoing renovation. The Research Room has been relocated to a different section of the building. Although we are open, there are times when services may be limited. This notice will be updated as needed, but you may also call 802-828-3700 for additional information. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Thank you for your patience.
The Vermont State Archives and Records Administration (VSARA) consists of both the State Records Center, which provides temporary records storage for State agencies and departments, and the Vermont State Archives. The Vermont State Archives consists of records that have been defined as having continuing value to the State of Vermont and its citizens. Common referred to as archival, records in the Vermont State Archives document Vermont state government from its creation in 1777 to the present.
The public is welcome conduct research at the Vermont State Archives. VSARA cannot, however, provide access to any records stored in the State Records Center with the exception of Vermont vital records. All other public records requests and inquiries related to records stored in the Records Center must be submitted directly State agencies and departments. A list of State agencies and departments is available online at: http://www.vermont.gov/portal/government/
VSARA's record series database can be searched to identify records maintained in the State Archives. If you have questions you can also use the research assistance link to request help on specific record types.
Popular records in the State Archives include:
- The Manuscript Vermont State Papers (MSVTSP), which include laws, petitions, and other records from 1777 to the late 19th Century. The Nye Index is a name index to the MSVTSP ranging from 1777 to circa 1840.
- Legislative records, including original acts dating back to the 18th Century, legislative committee minutes since 1917, and Legislative Council records and studies from 1965 forward.
- The official correspondence of governors, including some scatterings of records that pre-date the 1864 mandate that gubernatorial records be deposited with the secretary of state.
- Election records dating from the mid-19th Century to the present and including canvasses of votes, campaign finance and other election records.
- Records of the Surveyor-General, including many of the town maps and lotting plans created before the office was abolished in 1838.
