Manuscript Collection

The State Historical Society of Missouri manuscript collection consists of personal papers, photographs, oral histories, correspondence, diaries and journals, and audiovisual material, as well as the records of churches, organizations, and businesses. These materials provide researchers an insight into the lives of Missourians and the development of organizations and businesses throughout Missouri.

Description of manuscript collections and the contents you may discover in these collections are available through finding aids. The majority of the finding aids are provided in PDF format for your convenience. Please see this note about finding aid language.

Manuscript collections are available for research at any of SHSMO’s six research centers. For additional information on how to view collection contents, please submit a research request.

If you are unsure of where to start, please see the Guide to Using the Manuscript Collection.

Use the Manuscript Index

The Manuscript Index will allow you to narrow your search by decade, subject, and/or county.

Use the Manuscript Index

Browse Manuscript Collections by Research Center