Library functions

To preserve more than 90 years of history since the Legion’s birth in 1919, The American Legion Library staff manage a collection of more than 12,000 books, pamphlets and other documents.

For people researching veteran issues and U.S. involvement in the wars of the 20th and 21st centuries, the library’s staff of six is available to offer assistance.

If you need help finding information in the following fields, the staff will do its best to assist you:

Americanism
Veteran affairs
National security
Youth programs
War histories
American Legion histories
Disarmament
Veteran compensation
Women’s role in war
Newspapers of interest to military and veteran audiences
The American Legion Magazine
The American Legion Dispatch
Extensive collection of photos
More than 2,000 recruiting and patriotic posters – Click here for the online viewing gallery
Military unit histories
Proceedings of the National Executive Committee and national conventions
Information on post and department history contests
Information on Emil A. Blackmore Museum in Indianapolis

Genealogists need to be aware that the library is limited on resources and space, and to protect the privacy of members the library cannot release membership information.

For those who determine that The American Legion National Headquarters is most likely the source of needed information, please be advised that original materials must remain in the library in Indianapolis. However, copies of public documents can be provided in some cases for a nominal fee of 25 cents per page. Please be reasonable in your request.

By no means does The American Legion profess to be all knowing, so please contact the library staff before assuming all your questions can be answered. Other sources, such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, searchable at www.va.gov, might be able to assist you as well, especially with veteran benefits.

For those who feel comfortable that information is likely at National Headquarters, librarian and curator Howard Trace and his American Legion colleagues are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays to assist you.

You may reach them various ways depending upon the immediacy of your needs:

Voice: (317) 630-1200
Fax: (317) 630-1241
E-mail: library@legion.org
Standard mail: 700 N. Pennsylvania St., P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206
Visits: Library is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays