The Naval Institute is home to a special library, housing multiple resources in the areas of interest for naval enthusiasts, historians, authors, and students. In addition to over 6000 books, we house complete sets of Proceedings and Naval History magazines and the only known complete collection of Our Navy magazine which was purchased from James Fahey when he discontinued publishing.  

In addition to the resources listed above, USNI Archives also provide the following:

Choosing books at the U.S. Naval Observatory Library

USNI Archives Digital Exhibitions

Our newest archival initiative at USNI is our Digital Exhibitions. Utilizing our vast collections, USNI Archives aims to bring history to you, wherever you are. Come learn with us!

Enter Our Digital Exhibit Space
Photo Archive Promo

Photographic Collection

Our vast Historic Photograph Collection is a rich assembly of images that engage our eyes, hearts and minds in the stories they tell of our naval and national heritage.

View the Online Photo Collection
Admiral Lawrence being interviewed for his oral history.

Oral History Program

The Naval Institute Oral History program preserves a wealth of primary source material accumulated through decades of personal interviews conducted and vetted by naval historians. This engaging collection includes written transcripts and audio clips that bring these first person narratives to life.

About the Oral History Collection

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I help preserve the Naval Institute's photo collection?

Funds raised allow the U.S. Naval Institute to undertake preservation projects too costly to accomplish with operating funds alone. Tax-deductible gifts to the Photo Archive are used to protect the original photo images and to digitize them so they may be more widely shared. Click here to make a gift.

How do I know what you have to offer if I do not see it in the online galleries?

Approximately 15,000 images are available onlne. However, our collection contains more than 450,000 images from the Civil War to the present.

If you cannot find the photograph you would like to order in our online photo catalog, please send an email to [email protected] or call (410) 295-1022 to speak with our photo archivist.

What size are the photographs?

Photo prints can come in a variety of sizes and are dependent on the aspect ratio of the original image. Framed and fine art photos photos can be cropped to  8" x 10" to sizes of 40” by 80”.

Can I order a digital image from the U.S. Naval Institute?

The "Digital" image tab on the U.S. Naval Institute’s photo site is intended for commercial use, and allows you to start a conversation with our photo archivist, get a price established for your project, and order the image to your specifications.

Photographic prints are intended for personal use.

How long does it take to process a photo order?

You should receive your print in 7-10 days.

How do I order a photograph that is not found in your online galleries?

To order a photograph that is not displayed in our online galleries, please send an email to [email protected] or call (410) 295-1022 to speak with our photo archivist.

How do I order a photograph matted and framed?

Follow the checkout prompts in our online photo catalog at photos.usni.org.

What is the phone number I should use to order photographs?

Please call (410) 295-1022 to speak to our archivist.

What if I have a copyright question about a U.S. Naval Institute Photo?

Please send an email to [email protected] or call (410) 295-1022 to speak with our photo archivist.

What if I want to use a photograph purchased through the U.S. Naval Institute's Photo Service for commercial purposes (e.g. book, video, magazine, etc.)?

Please send an email to [email protected] or call (410) 295-1022 to speak with our photo archivist for usage pricing and permission.

How do I find research assistance on past articles or get copies of articles?

Contact the Naval Institute Archives
A fee is charged.
Phone: 410-295-1023
Fax: 410-269-7940
Email [email protected]

How do I obtain copies of past Proceedings or Naval History articles?

May I borrow a book?

We are not a lending library, but you are welcome to visit and use our library to conduct your research.

How long does research take?

We are open to the public & invite individuals to visit and conduct research on-site. Library visits can be scheduled by calling (410) 295-1022.

Additionally, our library staff is available to assist with research requests from individuals who are not able to visit us in Beach Hall. Simple requests are normally handled within 24-48 hours. Detailed requests may take longer as required.

Research requests can be addressed to [email protected].

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