Archival Media Research Bootcamp at the World's Best Facilities
This two-day, in-person research course introduces filmmakers, archivists, and other researchers to the motion-picture and still-image collections of the National Archives and the Library of Congress. Participants will visit both facilities, learn how to navigate their collections and research rooms, meet staff, review rules and equipment, and work toward locating materials for their own projects. The course emphasizes in-person research rather than relying solely on online catalogs, with opportunities in many cases to leave with copies or other materials.
The sessions take place on quieter weekdays and begin with an orientation to the collections, followed by research-room visits and hands-on guidance. Attendance at both days is strongly recommended, although individual-day registration is available. Registering for both sessions together provides a discount.
When: Tuesday, September 15, and Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
Showtimes: Both sessions run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. On each day, participants arrive, park, enter the facility, request a researcher card, and meet in the cafeteria at 9:00 a.m.; the workshop begins at 9:30 a.m.
Day 1: Tuesday, September 15, at the National Archives at College Park, 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740.
Day 2: Wednesday, September 16, at the Library of Congress, 101 Independence Ave. SE, Washington, D.C. 2054.
Course Content: The introductory sessions cover the collections and research process, followed by tours or visits to the research rooms. Participants learn facility rules, equipment procedures, strategies for finding materials, and how to work with staff, who are described as an essential research resource. Each day concludes with time to pursue an individual project.
Tickets: Price not available.
Registration: Registration is through the linked Eventbrite listing. Participants may register for one day or for both days; a discount is offered for registering for both sessions together.
Transportation: Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from each facility.
Venue: Presented by Docs In Progress. The event listing gives Docs In Progress, 8560 Second Avenue, Suite 113, Silver Spring, MD 20910, as the organization’s location, but the course sessions themselves are held at the National Archives in College Park and the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
Parking: At the Docs In Progress location, the Cameron Street garage is open 24 hours and charges on weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; rates listed are $1 per hour for the first four hours and 65 cents per hour thereafter. Garage parking is free on weekends, federal holidays, and after 7:00 p.m. on weekdays. Payment is available by cash, credit card, ParkMobile, or MobileNow. Nearby metered street parking may also be available, with daytime payment generally required Monday through Saturday. The listing warns not to park or stand in spaces marked for police only.
Accessibility: No accessibility information is currently available for this event.