Modern Congressional and Political Papers Collection

The Modern Congressional and Political Papers Collection preserves the papers of members of Congress, political parties, and state and local political actors in the 20th and 21st centuries. The papers document federal, state, and local government activities. They reflect relationships and interactions among members of legislative bodies, other branches of government, and the people, and they provide an account of issues of state, regional, and national importance.

With more than 7,000 feet of records, the Modern Congressional and Political Papers Collection contains some of the largest collections at the Center. Begin your search in the Guide to Archives and Manuscripts and contact us when you're ready for the next step. Most collections are stored offsite and require 48-hours advance notice for use. Read more about research in congressional archives. 

Students report that the materials in the Collection bring abstract concepts to life. The Congressional and Political Papers Archivist can tailor instruction for both undergraduate and graduate courses to focus on a specific policy or issue, the legislative process, or the use of primary source and archival materials. Read more about instruction with congressional archives. 

Special Projects 

WVU Libraries' WVRHC is leading the way to provide access to congressional archives across the country through the American Congress Digital Archives Portal project, supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Another project, America Contacts Congress, sought to better manage and preserve constituent correspondence data.