Manuscripts

One of the four principals upon which the Institute was founded in 1950 was the establishment of an archival repository. It was committed from its beginning to collect and preserve documents on all aspects of the state's past. It has been especially successful in acquiring records related to agriculture, the pioneer era, literary figures, women, and the development of Fargo as an urban center.

Manuscripts include personal papers, organizational records, single items or small groups of papers, microform copies, and facsimile editions of manuscripts. The Institute does not acquire manuscripts merely for their value as autographs. Manuscript materials are typically acquired through donation by their owners.

Collecting Areas

Personal papers: The Institute acquires the personal papers of individuals or families whose activities have significantly influenced the history and culture of North Dakota or the policies of North Dakota government, and whose papers constitute important source material for the study of the period which they cover, throwing light on major movements, developments, controversies or events.

Records of organizations: The Institute acquires and preserves the records of a broad spectrum of North Dakota organizations, such as women's study, service and homemaker clubs, men's service clubs, political groups and issue-oriented groups. It is through such organizations that the diversity of interests of North Dakotans is shown. The resulting records provide an understanding of each organization's role within the larger context of state and regional history. The Institute is also cognizant that it cannot preserve the records of every organization. It therefore gives preference to the records of organizations of statewide scope that have broad interests and enduring scholarly value. Also of priority are records from ad hoc and other transitory organizations that have enduring value in documenting issues and episodes in North Dakota culture and politics. Individual club and local affiliate records are collected on a sample basis, dependent upon type of club, statewide geographic representation, and the number of similar organization records already preserved at the Institute.

Reproduction of manuscripts in microform: Manuscript collections in microform are acquired on a very selective basis and must meet the criteria specified above regarding personal papers or records of organizations. Funds for the purchase of such material have traditionally been very limited. Microform collections must complete, supplement or complement existing Institute collections or provide broad potential research value.

Facsimile editions of manuscripts: The Institute acquires facsimile editions of individual manuscripts in accordance with its policies governing the acquisition of current publication materials.