NYC Department of Records and Information Services

Established in 1977, the New York City Department of Records and Information Services (DORIS) preserves and provides public access to historical and contemporary records and information about New York City government. We operate the Municipal Archives, the Municipal Library, and the Records Center.

The New York City Municipal Archives has millions of photographs, motion pictures, audio recordings, maps, architectural drawings and other visual materials documenting the history of New York City. Dating from 1947 through 1996, the moving image portion of the WNYC collection includes mayoral press conferences, national and international dignitaries visiting City Hall, luminaries from the worlds of culture, science and art; government operations; City Council and Police and Fire Department activities. Rare, unseen footage of New York City in the 1950s, plus important city events over three decades--rallies, riots, ocean liners, parades, and the World's Fair are a few highlights.