Using the Archive at Columbia

The Visual History Archive is a specialized tool requiring local use. Use of the Archive requires a one-time registration, allowing users to save searches and projects and be accessible by e-mail.  The Archive can be accessed:

  • On campus within the Columbia University campus network OR remotely with an active UNI and password.

For detailed searching, use the Visual History Archive Online site.  This website requires users to create an account, and allows detailed searching, as well as a limited selection of testimonies available freely (i.e. WITHOUT Columbia access).  Once you are logged via the Columbia connection (either on campus or with a CUID), you will also be able to save snippets of testimony for your research use.

For help using the Visual History Archive’s search interface, see the VHA User Manual.

Locations on Campus for Viewing the Archive

Any networked computer on campus can stream the testimonies; however, headphones for viewing are available in

Additional Information