The purpose of the NCAR Archives is to collect, preserve, and share the history of NCAR/UCAR through documents, photos, interviews, websites, and other records. The NCAR Archives serves as the main source of information and resources related to NCAR's history. The Archives is part of the NCAR Library and was established in 1984 following recommendations from the AIP Center for History of Physics and after staff became interested in preserving institutional memory during preparations for NCAR's 25th Anniversary celebration.
We collect materials that document the mission and work of NCAR/UCAR in the following areas:
Scientific research
Support functions that facilitate research
Supercomputing
Effects of weather and climate on society
Contributions to the field of science
Education and training services
Outreach and community building
Using science for the betterment of humankind and society
Administrative records that document the above activities
The personal and professional papers of some scientists, engineers, administrators, and program staff
For more information on contributing material to the Archives, please visit the page on transferring records or contact us.
The NCAR Archives is open by appointment Monday-Thursday, from 10:00-4:00 (holidays excluded). We offer reference, information, and scanning services for all users via in-person appointments and email/remote requests. If you would like to visit the Archives, please contact us at least 24 hours in advance to schedule an appointment to ensure availability of staff and resources. Due to the unique nature of archival materials, documents and records in the Archives cannot be loaned out.
Research assistance: contact the archivist for help with locating or viewing historical records
Scanning: we can provide scans or copies of archival materials for research or publication
Digitization: we will work with you to include historical materials in the Archives' digital collections in OpenSky
Rights: assist with questions about copyright and permission to publish archival materials
Transfers/donations: we will work with you to determine which records should be sent to the Archives, or help with a donation of materials
Websites: if you are taking down web content, we can preserve a copy in the web archives before you remove content
Oral histories: tell us your story about NCAR, or learn about NCAR history from the interview collections
We welcome donations that fall within our collecting scope.
For more information on using the NCAR Archives:
The NCAR Archives preserves the institutional history of NCAR|UCAR. The Archives acquires, manages, makes accessible resources documenting the activities undertaken by NCAR|UCAR in the areas of Earth systems science research, technology, education, and community building.
Visits to the NCAR Archives are by appointment only. If you would like to come to the Archives, please contact us to schedule an appointment.
The Archives are located at the Mesa Lab in Boulder, CO. View directions and a map.