The archival holdings of the Army’s Military History Institute in Carlisle, Pa. are massive. They have an online searching device that you can use for some limited research. However their photograph database is easy to use and I did so about a year ago and uncovered some key photos I needed for some research. Here is that link.
Filmmaker Ken Burns did extensive research at the institute for his documentary “The Civil War,†as did PBS news anchor and author Jim Lehrer as he wrote his novel “No Certain Rest,†Perry said.
In August 2004, the institute opened a spacious library and reading room and space for a conservation lab, exhibit areas and storage. Perry said the foundation raised the money for the building, and the goal now is to solicit money for an education center and a museum.
What makes the trip to the institute most worthwhile for Civil War enthusiasts is a collection of 85,000 photographs of identified officers and soldiers, Union and Confederate. The institute says it is the largest such collection.
But there’s more: diaries, letters home, memoirs and other artifacts such as uniforms and swords. The institute doesn’t keep military records; those are at the National Archives. What it has are the personal papers and items of military personnel – either donated or purchased – and an extensive library of published materials.
