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CARL: Archives & Special Collections

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The Ike Skelton Combined Arms Research Library Special Collections and Archives exists to preserve and make available to researchers Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth and other historical materials.

The archives area is open from 9:00 - 4:00, Monday - Friday.

Due to the restricted area in which Archives is located, all visiting scholars and researchers must make an appointment to use the archival and special collections and to insure maximum assistance with their research.

To make an appointment please call (913) 758-3161 or write to:

ATTN: SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
IKE SKELTON COMBINED ARMS RESEARCH LIBRARY
US ARMY COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF COLLEGE
250 GIBBONS AVENUE
FORT LEAVENWORTH, KS 66027-7800

Email: askcarl@carlcgsc.libanswers.com

 

General Polices

  • Patrons should be aware the Archives is a closed stack and in a restricted area. Browsing in the stacks is not permitted, and all of our materials are non-circulating.
  • International officers assigned to Fort Leavenworth please consult with the 1st floor reference staff for use of any of the archival or special collections materials.
  • Foreign visitors must contact their embassy in Washington, DC to submit the Request for Visit Authorization to HQDA G2. Visit requests must be submitted 30 days prior to the date of visit.

Security Polices

  • Archives and Special Collections' materials are stored in a secured area. Researchers may not bring any electronic devices (laptop, cell phone, smartwatch) into this area. Lockable drawers are available for patrons to store small electronic devices. 
  • Backpacks and other large bags cannot be taken into the research area and must be stored outside or just inside the door.
  • All visitors without the necessary security clearance will be escorted by a staff member at all times while in the secure area.
  • Arrangements can be made if a patron wishes to use a personal electronic device to take notes or photograph materials. Please confirm with a staff member when making an appointment.

Copyright and Duplication Polices

  • Most photocopying is done by archival staff only and completed as other staff duties allow. The maximum pages photocopied per item is 20.
  • The Archives is able to scan and digitize materials. Photocopying, scanning and photo duplication decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
  • Reproductions are made solely for the personal use of the individual requesting them. Permission of the ISCARL Special Collections and Archives must be obtained for any other use.
  • Certain materials may not be copied due to physical condition, restrictions imposed by the donor, copyright law, or right-to-privacy statutes.
  • Patrons are responsible for observing all United States and international copyright regulations.
  • Reproduction does not transfer either copyright or property rights, nor does it constitute permission to publish or to display materials.
  • Please consult a staff member for more information.

Visitor Information

  • For more information on how to enter the Fort Leavenworth campus, please visit: https://home.army.mil/leavenworth/index.php/about/visitor-information
  • The Archives and Special Collections is located on the third floor of the Ike Skelton Combined Arms Research Library (ISCARL).
  • There are several free parking lots located around the library. 

Facilities and Equipment

  • The Archives and Special Collections has a photocopier, flatbed scanner, overhead scanner, and microfilm reader. Additional microfilm readers are located on the first floor.
  • There are three study rooms for archival researchers to use on the third floor.

Usage Guidelines

  • Use of ink is prohibited; please take notes in pencil.
  • Materials may not leave the area.
  • Materials must remain flat on the table and be handled carefully during use.
  • All records must be kept in their present arrangement.
  • Do not make any alterations to the documents.
  • Nothing may be placed on the materials being used.
  • Do not write on top of materials.
  • No food or drink is allowed when viewing documents.
  • Do not remove staples, paper clips or other fasteners.

Rare Books
Approximately 625 titles. The collection dates from 1600 forward and includes works on all aspects of military art and science.

Special Collections Monographs
Approximately 415 linear feet, representing about 6,800 titles. Most of these works are out-of-print and in fragile condition and were published during the nineteenth or early twentieth centuries. Other items in the collection are autographed by the authors or are record copies of Fort Leavenworth publications.

The CGSC Curriculum Archives
Approximately 1,500 linear feet. This collection dates from the Infantry and Cavalry School of the late 1880s to the present. The archives are organized by academic year and then by department of instruction/course numbers.

World War I Pamphlet Collection
A collection of over 200 pamphlets covering various aspects of the U.S. Army's participation in World War I. These pamphlets date mainly from 1917-1918 and were issued as informational/instructional material during the war. Many have been digitized and are in CARL’s digital library at http://cgsc.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/

Secretary of War Annual Reports
Removed from the regular collection for preservation purposes, this set of volumes is in fragile condition due to paper deterioration. The incomplete set covers the years from the Civil War period to the later 1930s. Only a few of the many volumes are missing.

The Combined Arms and Fort Leavenworth Archives (CAFLA) Collection
This collection has non-record copies of documents (reports, correspondence, etc.) that detail the operations and activities of the Combined Arms Center (CAC) and its subordinate organizations and other agencies and organizations located at or reporting to Fort Leavenworth. There are some materials from the 1970s but the strength of the collection begins in 1980.

Obsolete Military Manuals
Historic field manuals, Army regulations, DA Pamphlets, TOs and TO&Es dating back to the First World War  Some are available online in our digital library, here:

Obsolete Military Manuals

General Orders, Circulars, Bulletins and Special Orders
This collection consists of orders for the Army, Fort Leavenworth, Department of the Missouri and others dating back to the mid 1800s.

Photograph Collection
The Archives has faculty, staff, and class photographs and some negatives from the first Infantry and Cavalry School class in 1883 to 1964 when yearbook photos replaced the old system. There are a few historical photos of buildings/scenes at Fort Leavenworth though most photos of this type are held by the Frontier Army Museum.

Strategy and tactics for learning, the Papers of General Paul F. Gorman, USA (R)
This collection consists papers, speeches, and photos that General Paul F. Gorman gathered over his distinguished career. The collection highlights his achievements in the Army and his continuing work after he retired from the military. These items are digitized and are available in the CARL's Digital Library at  https://cgsc.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16040coll10 

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