The core mission of the Moakley Archive and Institute at Suffolk University, established in 2001 with the gift of Congressman John Joseph Moakley's papers, includes the following elements:
- collecting, preserving and making accessible its archival holdings which include the University's institutional records, the Congressman Moakley Papers, and other research collections related to Suffolk faculty and alumni;
- presenting public programming and exhibits that celebrate Joe Moakley's legacy of service and political leadership;
- supporting Suffolk University's teaching mission through classroom instruction and the creation of educational materials in order to facilitate research and promote information literacy;
- and ensuring the proper management and disposition of University records in accordance with legal requirements and University policies through the Records Management Program.