The Moakley Archive and Institute provides reference and research assistance, classroom instruction, programming, exhibits and other outreach services that help patrons use and understand our collections.

Hours and Location

Moakley Archive and Institute
120 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02108-4977
Email: archives@suffolk.edu
(617)-305-6277 Fax (617)-305-6275

The Archive and Institute is located in the Special Collections Room (5th Floor) of the John Joseph Moakley Library in Sargent Hall.

• Take the elevator to the 6th floor.
• Enter the Moakley Law Library (if you are asked to show identification indicate that you have an appointment at the Archive)
• Once in the library walk down one flight of stairs to the 5th floor or take the internal elevator immediately to your right upon entering the library.
• The Archive is room 515 (at the bottom of the stairs to the left).

The Archive and Institute is open to the public and members of the Suffolk University community.

• Office hours are Monday-Friday 9-5.
• Research appointments can be made for Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday between 10-4.
• Call 617-305-6277 or email nfeeney@suffolk.edu to schedule a research appointment.  
• The Archive is closed on University holidays.

Staff Contact Information

Research Assistance and Reference Requests

Archive staff provides research assistance for all patrons; this includes:

• A reference interview helps determine what resources and collections are useful
• Reviewing finding aids and research tools
• Searching the SMART catalog
• Answering "fast fact" reference questions

Classroom Instruction

Engaging students with primary-source documents develops their critical thinking and information literacy skills. The Archive works with faculty to develop classes that teach students primary source research skills using our collections. We also encourge faculty to develop courses using our materials. Please contact us for more information. Go to slideshare.net/moakleyarchive for access to the classroom guides and powerpoint presentations used in classes. Examples of the classroom guides that students use are below:

Pieces of Suffolk History (.pdf)
Boston’s Busing Crisis: Joe Moakley, Judge Garrity and the people of Massachusetts (.pdf)
Using Congressman Moakley’s Papers to Understand the Salvadoran Civil War: Examining the 1989 Jesuit Murders (.pdf)