Rockefeller Archive Center

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Rockefeller Archive Center Collects, preserves, and provides broad and equitable access to the historical records of philanthropy. Research inquiries: [email protected].

MISSION

By collecting, managing, preserving and providing broad and equitable access to the historical records of philanthropy and other efforts to work on behalf of the public good, the Rockefeller Archive Center inspires critical analysis and contributes knowledge to diverse learning communities throughout the world. ABOUT

The Rockefeller Archive Center was established in 1974 initially to gather, preserve, and make accessible the records of the Rockefeller family and their far-reaching philanthropic endeavors, such as the Rockefeller Foundation, and Rockefeller Brothers Fund. The Archive Center has grown and today holds the archives of major foundations, cultural organizations, research institutions, and many individuals associated with these organizations. The Rockefeller Archive Center preserves and makes accessible its ever-expanding holdings, which include the records of over forty organizations and over one hundred individuals. PRINCIPAL INSTITUTIONAL COLLECTIONS

Asia Society
Commonwealth Fund
Ford Foundation
Foundation Center
Henry Luce Foundation
Institute of International Education
John A. Hartford Foundation
Markle Foundation
Near East Foundation
Population Council
Rockefeller Brothers Fund
Rockefeller Foundation
Russell Sage Foundation
Social Science Research Council
Taconic Foundation
William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
William T. Grant Foundation

J. George Harrar served as president of the Rockefeller Foundation from 1961 until his retirement in 1972. But long befo...
10/16/2026

J. George Harrar served as president of the Rockefeller Foundation from 1961 until his retirement in 1972. But long before that, he was a star runner on Oberlin College’s track team! These photos are part of his personal papers and are all labeled as being the year 1926.

📸:
J. George Harrar papers, RAC

Working in the greenhouse... and the garden... and the orchard! Margaret Olivia Slocum Sage, known as Olivia Sage, was ...
10/15/2026

Working in the greenhouse... and the garden... and the orchard!


Margaret Olivia Slocum Sage, known as Olivia Sage, was the second wife of Russell Sage and inherited his fortune upon his death. With this money, she founded the Russell Sage Foundation. A former teacher herself, Olivia Sage was a supporter of education and progressive causes. Among the institutions receiving the foundation’s support was the Pennsylvania School of Horticulture for Women, founded in 1911 to give women the education needed for professional opportunities in horticultural and agriculture.

These photos are from the school in 1916.

📸:
Russell Sage Foundation records, RAC

10/14/2026

Say hello to Katie and Danielle! They’re joining us to answer some of your questions for Day. Today, they’ll share what their archival jobs entail, talk about the best parts of their work, and weigh in on the question everyone asks: Why don’t you just digitize everything?

Katie and Danielle answered so many questions that we’ll keep going with more videos from them. Stay tuned to hear more!

What role did the Rockefeller Foundation (RF) play in the creation of the atom bomb and how did the organization respond...
10/13/2026

What role did the Rockefeller Foundation (RF) play in the creation of the atom bomb and how did the organization respond in the aftermath? You can learn more about the RF’s support for nuclear science in the RE:source story titled, “The Rockefeller Foundation’s Role in Creating the Atomic Bomb.”

A great way to introduce historical debates and moral discussions into your classroom is with the FREE educational resource, “Ethics and the Atom Bomb,” found in our Teach with Archives lesson plans. This one is designed for grades 9 through graduate school.

📸:
Rockefeller Foundation records, RAC

Look at all of those eggs! In these photos taken at a poultry farm located outside of Caracas, Venezuela, we can see pr...
10/09/2026

Look at all of those eggs!

In these photos taken at a poultry farm located outside of Caracas, Venezuela, we can see programs of The American International Association for Economic and Social Development (AIA) at work. Started by Nelson Rockefeller in 1946, the AIA aimed to raise standards of living in Latin America, focusing on agricultural research and nutritional education, as well as improving local roads, communications, and primary education.

📸:
The American International Association for Economic and Social Development records, RAC

Podiatry (a medical specialty devoted to the feet, ankles, and lower limbs) has a long history here in the US. A 1973 ap...
10/08/2026

Podiatry (a medical specialty devoted to the feet, ankles, and lower limbs) has a long history here in the US. A 1973 appeal to The Commonwealth Fund from the California College of Podiatry includes records explaining the specialty and its history.

📸:
The Commonwealth Fund records, RAC

We hold the papers of Nobel Prize-winning scientist Paul Ehrlich, who discovered the first effective treatment for syphi...
10/07/2026

We hold the papers of Nobel Prize-winning scientist Paul Ehrlich, who discovered the first effective treatment for syphilis, whose work created the basis for modern chemotherapy, and who honed techniques for staining tissue to be examined under the microscope. Among his papers is this postcard from his cousin Carl Weigert, who is also an impactful researcher in the world of medicine.

📸:
Paul Ehrlich papers, RAC

10/06/2026

No one uses archives? Our request stats say otherwise!

Our hard-working Access Team assists thousands of researchers every year through on-site visits, material digitized, questions answered, virtual microfilm viewing, and more. We aim to make our material available to as many people as possible, across the globe.

Archives are for everyone, and we welcome your inquiries!

It’s , which is a great chance to remind you that we have FREE open-access lesson plans available on our Teach with Arc...
10/05/2026

It’s , which is a great chance to remind you that we have FREE open-access lesson plans available on our Teach with Archives page. You’ll find curricula developed with archivists and educators in laboratory schools, with material for grades 3 through graduate school.

From history to media literacy to building sustainable communities, Teach with Archives lessons have something for every classroom. Find them all at the link in our bio!

Address

15 Dayton Avenue
Sleepy Hollow, NY
10591

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+19143666300

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