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Planning Your First Visit to the New York State Archives to Research Southport Records

Planning an in-person research day for Southport-related records? A little prep goes a long way. Here's what you need to know about where to go, how to get in, and what to expect once you're in the research room.

• 2 min read • archives.nysed.gov
Planning Your First Visit to the New York State Archives to Research Southport Records

The New York State Archives research room sits on the 11th floor of the Cultural Education Center, at the south end of Empire State Plaza in Albany. For GPS or drop-off, the address is 222 Madison Avenue, Albany, NY 12230.

Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The research room closes on New York State holidays, so double-check your calendar before traveling - especially if you're coming from out of town.

You can't walk in unannounced - visits are by appointment only. Email archref@nysed.gov or call (518) 474-8955 to schedule, and wait for confirmation before heading over. When you reach out, ask about timing or availability for the specific materials you want. That way you won't be stuck waiting once you arrive.

Planning Your First Visit to the New York State Archives to Research Southport Records
  1. Sign in when you arrive - you’ll start the visit by signing in at the Archives.
  2. Complete the Research Room Registration Form - you’ll fill out items 1 through 11 and sign the declaration agreeing to follow the research room rules.
  3. Show your photo ID - staff will review your ID as part of registration; the form records the type of identification presented and includes space for a driver’s license number and issuing state.
  4. Store personal items in a locker - plan to place personal items in a locker before you settle in.
  5. Confirm you’ll follow the rules - part of the arrival process is agreeing to abide by the research room’s rules while you’re there.

Driving? Paid parking is available in the Madison Avenue Lot, right next to the west side of the Cultural Education Center. Enter from Madison Avenue - easy to find and close to the entrance.

Note: Masks aren't required in the research room but are recommended. You'll also need to store personal items in a locker during check-in.

Handheld digital cameras are welcome in the research room - just use available light. No tripods, no extra lighting. Make sure your camera or phone is ready to shoot without flash.

Working with microfilm? Self-service copies to paper or PDF are free. For other types of copies beyond what you can do yourself, ask staff about copy orders and pricing for your specific records.

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