Keywords
Collection #

View our Inclusivity in Cataloging Statement

What's New


Browse Our Collections

Please click here to browse through all MSA Special Collections.

Search Strategies

The Maryland State Archives Guide to Special Collections is a web-based tool to search and browse special collections of map, photographic, newspaper, private, business and religious records. For guidance on researching specific collections, see: Additional Search Strategies below.

If you have any questions, please contact msa.helpdesk@maryland.gov.

General Search Tips

  • For browsing or simple searches, use Keyword search under Quick Search.
  • For more specific searches, use the Advanced Search.
  • To navigate directly to a specific collection, series, or item with its collection number, use Collection Number search under Quick Search.
  • Be as general as possible with search terms. For example, the Baltimore Sun is cataloged as “Sun” and a search for “Baltimore Sun” will not return the right result.
  • If a search returns too many results, try refining your terms. If that is not possible you can use CTRL + F to find a desired term on the page.

"+" Search Modifier

When searching by Keyword, or using the Advanced Search’s Description field, the "+" operator can be used to focus search results. Use "+" to add additional terms to search by.
  • Example: "Baltimore + Photographs" searches for "Baltimore" AND "Photographs".
  • Example: "Baltimore American + 1915" searches for "Baltimore American" AND "1915".
Quick Search Quick Search
Provides easy access by keyword or by collection
Advanced Search Advanced Search
Search based upon selected criteria.
Additional Search Strategies Additional Search Strategies
Access specific types of records.

This web site is presented for reference purposes under the doctrine of fair use. When this material is used, in whole or in part, proper citation and credit must be attributed to the Maryland State Archives. PLEASE NOTE: The site may contain material from other sources which may be under copyright. Rights assessment, and full originating source citation, is the responsibility of the user.


Tell Us What You Think About the Maryland State Archives Website


[ Archives' Home Page ||  Maryland Manual On-Line ||  Reference & Research
Search the Archives ||  Education & Outreach ||  Archives of Maryland Online ]


Governor    General Assembly    Judiciary    Maryland.Gov   


© Copyright July 16, 2025 Maryland State Archives