Established in 1995, the Ayn Rand Archives is a corporate repository maintained by the Ayn Rand Institute. In 1992 the Estate of Ayn Rand donated a portion of the Ayn Rand Papers to the Library of Congress. In 1995, the Estate placed the remaining papers with the Ayn Rand Institute, to which it is gradually transferring ownership.
In addition to housing the Ayn Rand Papers (which occupy 150 linear feet), the Ayn Rand Archives collects items by and about Ayn Rand and her influence—including institutional records, personal papers, A/V collections, personal libraries, artworks, furniture, and realia.
Access to the Archives is granted at the discretion of the Ayn Rand Institute.
Currently, the Ayn Rand Archives is closed to access for approximately 12 months beginning in January 2022 as we implement new systems and review policy. We will respond to research queries and general reference questions. Please allow up to two weeks for responses.
We appreciate your patience as we make these important changes!
The Ayn Rand Archives welcomes donations of enduring historical value. Prospective donors of personal papers, corporate records, A/V materials, and realia are encouraged to contact us at archives@aynrand.org.
For the same reasons that the Archives is closed for research access, we are also currently closed to new volunteers. We look forward to welcoming new volunteers again in the near future! Opportunities will be available either on-site or off-site, and include (but are not limited to) research and transcription projects. If you would be interested in volunteering in the future, please contact us at archives@aynrand.org.
Jeff Britting
Physical & Analog Archivist
Jeff Britting manages the physical holdings of the Ayn Rand Institute Corporate Archives. He contributes to public programs featuring the Archives’ collections. He advises on acquisitions and provides in-house and external research assistance. (See here for his Expert information.)
Audra Hilse
Digital Archivist
Audra Hilse manages the digital aspects of the Ayn Rand Archives, including data about the holdings and digitized archival material, manages volunteer assistance, and is implementing efforts to make the Ayn Rand Papers and other collections available online. She holds a BA in history and an MA in Library and Information Studies, and is a 2009 OAC graduate.
Copyright © 1985 – 2024 The Ayn Rand Institute (ARI). Reproduction of content and images in whole or in part is prohibited. All rights reserved. ARI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions to ARI in the United States are tax-exempt to the extent provided by law. Objectivist Conferences (OCON), Ayn Rand Conference (ARC), Ayn Rand University (ARU) and the Ayn Rand Institute eStore are operated by ARI. Payments to OCON, ARC, ARU or the Ayn Rand Institute eStore do not qualify as tax-deductible contributions to the Ayn Rand Institute. AYN RAND, AYN RAND INSTITUTE, ARI, AYN RAND UNIVERSITY and the AYN RAND device are trademarks of the Ayn Rand Institute. All rights reserved.