Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do research by letter or email?
Yes, but please use our email form. Click here for email form.

If researching other topics, provide as much specific information as possible. For example, instead of asking for "anything you can tell me about Roosevelt Dam," request information on its design, the individuals who built it, or its environmental impact.

What are your policies for using your materials?
Because all of the items in our collections are irreplaceable, researchers may use them only in the secure reading room. Free lockers are provided for patrons' briefcases and purses, and photo identification is required.

Will you research a topic for me?
It is Division policy to limit research for an individual to thirty minutes. For more extensive help, you may wish to contact a professional genealogist or historian. We cannot locate missing people.

For professional historical research, contact us for referrals.

Does the Arizona State Archives have wireless Internet access?
Yes, researchers with with laptops equipped with a wireless network card can connect to the Internet.

Can I get photocopies?

Can you tell me if you have what I want before I drive all that way?
It's always a good idea to contact us before you visit. Advance notice allows us to prepare for your visit or perhaps save you a trip. Telephone: (602) 926-3720 or email us.

Typical Researcher Questions And Answers

Do you have marriage licenses and divorce records?
Our county marriage and divorce records usually date to the late 1920s. Otherwise the Superior Court, Civil Division, of the county in which a couple was married or divorced should have those records. For addresses of local government offices, check here.

What information do you have about my great-grandfather John Smith?
We may have information about your great-grandfather. In order for us to search our records, it helps us to know when your great-grandfather lived here and the county in which he lived. It also helps when you tell us the kind of record you are interested in such as: marriage, probate, civil or criminal case and so on. We do not have an index of every name for the state.

Can you help me trace my Indian heritage?
We do have microfilm of the 1900, 1910 and 1920 Federal Census for Arizona; many Native Americans are included. We also have microfilmed older birth and death records from the Vital Records Office of the Department of Health. After approximately 1910, Native Americans are included in these records.

Most of the records for Arizona's reservations are located in the National Archives and Records Administration Regional Branch, P.O. Box 6719, Laguna Niguel, CA 92607-6719. Phone: (949) 360-2641. Fax: (949) 360-2624. Email: archives@laguna.nara.gov

Contact the Arizona Commission of Indian Affairs for tribal addresses, 1400 W. Washington, Suite 300, Phoenix, AZ 85007. Phone: (602) 542-3123. Fax: (602) 542-3223.

You might also find information on a web site devoted to Native American genealogy.

Can you tell me how much an old stock certificate is worth?
The Arizona Corporation Commission, Corporations Division, 1300 W. Washington, Phoenix, AZ 85007 has the incorporation records of companies incorporated in Arizona. Telephone: (602) 542-3026

I am looking for a friend of mine. Can you help me find him?
The majority of records we have are from the 1930s or before. We do not have the kinds of information that can help people find missing friends or family members.

I am adopted. Can you help me find my birth parents?
Adoption records are sealed in Arizona, but a Confidential Intermediary may be able to help you. The Arizona Supreme Court administers the Confidential Intermediary.

Do you have photographs of people?
Most of the photographs in our collection are of places. While we do have photographs with people in them, few of the people are identified. You may contact Photo-Archivist Laurie Devine at (602) 926-3720 or email.

How can I find the legislative history of an Arizona bill?
There are a number of sources you will have to research, such as the Governor's annual messages to the Legislature, the House and Senate legislative bills, hearings on the bill, legislative committee reports and Senate and House Journals. For current legislation, visit Arizona Legislative Information Services on the internet. For earlier periods in Arizona history, newspapers often contained debates and position statements about various bills.

Can you look at a document/book/photograph and tell me how much it is worth?
You will need to contact an appraiser. Check your local Yellow Pages or visit the web site of the American Society of Appraisers.

Can you tell me how to take care of my old photographs and family papers?
Our conservation officer provides information about how to care for these items. You may contact Michael McColgin at (602) 926-3720 or visit the Conservation web site.