How to Use the National Archives Catalog MCP in Claude

Q: How do I start searching the National Archives Catalog with Claude Desktop?

Open your claudedesktopconfig.json file and add the server configuration under the mcpServers key. Once you restart the desktop app, the MCP tools will show up, allowing you to run queries instantly.

Q: Can I use Claude Desktop to transcribe handwritten papers in the National Archives Catalog?

Yes. Claude Desktop uses createtranscription to send your text straight to the NARA system. You just upload the document image to the chat and ask your agent to write and submit the transcription.

Q: How do I remove bad metadata using this server?

You use deletecomment or deletetag directly in your chat. Your agent identifies the bad entry ID and executes the removal command without you leaving the conversation.

Search millions of historical files and manage public contributions directly within Claude Desktop.

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Connect National Archives Catalog MCP to Claude Desktop

Create your Vinkius account to connect National Archives Catalog to Claude Desktop and route execution through our secure gateway. The platform manages server hosting, runtime updates, and security layers. Configuration requires no manual server provisioning.

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Setup National Archives Catalog with Claude Desktop

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Dig through NARA records inside Claude Desktop

Running the `search_records` tool lets Claude Desktop query millions of historical documents directly from your chat window. You can pull up original wartime photos, diplomatic cables, or census files in Claude Desktop without opening a web browser. When you need to go deeper, `get_record_children` retrieves the exact folder structure of a massive NARA record group. This MCP Server keeps Claude Desktop connected to the source, so you get raw historical data instead of hallucinated summaries.

Edit and track public transcriptions

With the `create_transcription` tool, Claude Desktop can submit fresh text layers for handwritten archival pages. Claude Desktop can read a scanned archival image, draft the text, and commit the update directly to the National Archives Catalog. If a transcription needs a correction, `update_transcription` modifies the NARA record while `get_transcription_history` tracks every change. This turns your Claude Desktop workspace into a direct pipeline for public history curation.

Audit user tags with this MCP Server

Using the `get_tags_by_userid` tool pulls every tag a specific contributor has added to the National Archives Catalog. You can analyze tagging patterns or run moderation tasks right from your Claude Desktop chat prompt. If you find incorrect tags, `delete_tag` cleans up the NARA metadata instantly. This gives Claude Desktop the ability to manage crowdsourced NARA metadata without clicking through hundreds of web pages.

Setup guide

Set up National Archives Catalog MCP in Claude Web or Desktop

1

Open Claude Settings

Go to claude.ai, click your profile icon, then navigate to Customize → Connectors.
2

Add Custom Connector

Click the "+" button and select Add custom connector. Paste your Vinkius endpoint URL: https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your token from cloud.vinkius.com. For OAuth-protected servers, expand Advanced settings to add credentials.
3

Start a conversation

Open a new chat. The National Archives Catalog MCP tools are available immediately — no restart needed.

Endpoint URL

https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp

No configuration file needed — paste the URL directly in the Claude web interface.

Available on Free (1 connector), Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise plans.

Prerequisites

Claude Desktop installed (macOS or Windows)
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Open Claude Desktop Settings

Click the menu icon at the top-left corner, go to Settings → Developer → Edit Config. This opens claude_desktop_config.json in your default text editor.
2

Paste the National Archives Catalog MCP configuration

Copy the JSON snippet on the right into the mcpServers object. Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your endpoint token from cloud.vinkius.com.
3

Restart Claude Desktop

Close and reopen the application. Claude needs a full restart to load new MCPs — refreshing a conversation is not enough.
4

Verify the connection

Open a new conversation. Click the 🔌 icon at the bottom of the message input. You should see tools listed under national-archives-catalog-mcp.

json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "national-archives-catalog-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp"
    }
  }
}

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Independent Platform Disclaimer: Vinkius is an independent platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, verified by, or otherwise authorized by National Archives Catalog. All third-party trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this website is strictly for informational purposes to identify service compatibility and interoperability.

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Common questions about National Archives Catalog MCP in Claude Desktop

Open your `claude_desktop_config.json` file and add the server configuration under the `mcpServers` key. Once you restart the desktop app, the MCP tools will show up, allowing you to run queries instantly.

Yes. Claude Desktop uses `create_transcription` to send your text straight to the NARA system. You just upload the document image to the chat and ask your agent to write and submit the transcription.

It does if you configure it as a custom connector. You paste the remote HTTPS URL of this MCP Server into your claude.ai integration settings, and the tools become available in your browser window.

You use `delete_comment` or `delete_tag` directly in your chat. Your agent identifies the bad entry ID and executes the removal command without you leaving the conversation.

This server only processes public catalog metadata, search queries, and your user contribution IDs. All traffic runs through a secure local V8 sandbox, meaning your search terms are never stored or exposed to third parties.

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