The Archives Center was created within the National Museum of American History in 1983 to preserve and make available for research historical document and graphic collections in its possession. It serves as the central facility of the Museum responsible for the processing, storage, and servicing of such collections.

John A. Fleckner was appointed Archivist, 1983, Senior Archivist, 1984-1989, and Chief Archivist, 1990- . Other staff have included Robert S. Harding, Archivist, 1984-1989, Deputy Archivist, 1990- ; Carol Dreyfus, Archivist, 1986; Jane H. Odom, Archivist, 1986-1987; Craig Orr, Archivist, 1988- ; Barbara Humphrys, Archivist, 1988-1993; David Haberstich, 1989- ; Marilyn Graskowiak, 1989-1993; Deborra A. Richardson, Archivist, 1993- ; Spencer R. Crew, Historian, 1983-1986; and Fath Davis Ruffins, Historian, 1989- .