Office of Archives and History

About Us

North Carolina has a long legacy of public history. Our state's historical program, founded in 1903, has evolved into what is now our Office of Archives and History (OAH).

The agencies of the North Carolina Office of Archives and History celebrate history from pre-colonial times to the present. They collectively safeguard documentary and material evidence of earlier generations and provide leadership and assistance to government agencies, individuals, businesses and organizations to further the stewardship of the state's historic resources.

State Archives of North Carolina

The State Archives of North Carolina (SANC) is firmly committed to collecting, preserving, and providing public access to historically significant archival materials relating to all North Carolinians.

State Historic Sites

Our historic sites, scattered across the state from Manteo at the coast to Weaverville in the west, offer you the chance to step back in time and experience the places where our state's most significant historical events happened first-hand.

State History Museums

Our state history museums seek to capture the spirit of North Carolina and its people by interpreting more than 14,000 years of history through interactive and informative exhibits and engaging programming and preserving a collection of more than 350,000 objects.

The Division of Historical Resources

North Carolina Literary & Historical Association

North Carolina Literary and Historical Association, established in 1900, is among the oldest organizations of its kind in the nation. Its history is interlinked with that of the North Carolina Office of Archives and History.

Federation of North Carolina Historical Societies

The Federation of North Carolina Historical Societies is a coalition of historical societies, museums, historic sites, associations, and commissions dedicated to preserving and promoting history in North Carolina.