NARA's Mid Atlantic regional archives holds federal records dating from as early as 1790 and pertaining to the states of Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Areas of emphasis include 1790 through 1800, the Civil War, the World Wars, civil rights, maritime history, industrialization, graphic arts, agriculture, national parks, legal history, popular culture, inventions, and the 1876 Centennial exposition in Philadelphia.
In addition to access to these holdings, the archives offers free public programs on a variety of topics, such as the United States Colored Troops (USCT) history and using local library map collections. Do not be discouraged by the heading "Genealogical Events," as many of the listed programs do not in fact have a genealogical focus. Other options include off-site lectures on customizable topics and both permanent and rotating physical museum exhibits.
Web exhibits explore the influence of Benjamin Franklin and documents related specifically to slavery.
The archives also offer research assistance for students and workshops for educators.