NSS Archives
The Archives of the National Speleological Society are a collection of books, documents, artifacts and photographs related to the formation and history of the NSS and caving in America. We collect material that illustrates the story of the NSS, exploration of caves in the United States and exploration by American cavers around the world. The NSS Library collects books, newsletters, theses and many other sources of published information about caves and cave related topics as a resource for anyone interested in studying caves.
Visiting the Archives
archivist@caves.org
Location
National Speleological Society
6001 Pulaski Pike
Huntsville, ALÂ 35810-1122 USA
(256) 852-1300
Group Visits
Group tours are available. Please call or email with information about the group and your desired date
Hours
The NSS Library and Archives are staffed by volunteers and currently open by appointment only. Please call or email to make an appointment. Admission is free of charge.
Collections
Photos
The NSS Photo Archives is a collection of photographs, slides, negatives, videos and art related to the history of the National Speleological Society, caving in America and caving around the world by American cavers. The collection includes past and current NSS Audio Visual Library items including slide shows, videos, audio narration and scripts. The NSS has an annual convention that includes a Photo Salon and Video Salon. We have many entries from these events in the collection.
Documents
NSS Organizational Records
- Board of Governors Minutes
- Officer reports and correspondence
- Internal Organization records (Grotto reports, Regions, Sections)
- Cave Preserve records
- NSS Cave Files
Personal Collections
The archives also include documents, records, and correspondence of well known American cavers including:
- Sara Corrie
- Rane Curl
- William Halliday
- Charles Lundquist
- Larry Matthews
- William Mixon
- Marion O. Smith
- Jack Stellmack
- William Varnedoe
