Scope of the Collection | Information for Researchers | Guidelines The historical foundation of the Institutional Archives was formally established in 1893. The Field Museum Institutional Archives, emerged from the responsibilities of the offices of the Recorder and Registrar. These administrative offices were associated directly with the President and the Director of the museum from 1893 to 1997, and charged with maintaining the documentary record of  the museum's activities and collections. The Institutional Archives continues the archival repository legacy established by those departments in 1893. Primarily an internal resource, the institutional archives also contains historical information relevant for scholarly research. The Archives maintains the historical records of the Field Museum and is a resource for the study of science, culture, and museum development. General subjects of study by patrons have recently included: genealogy, art history, taxidermy, early film history, museum studies, public education, and, the history of science.