How to Use the National Archives Catalog MCP in VS Code Copilot

Q: How do we share the National Archives Catalog configuration across our team in VS Code Copilot?

Create a .vscode/mcp.json config file in your repository root and commit it to Git. Every developer on your team will automatically get access to the MCP tools when they open the project.

Q: Can VS Code Copilot help us analyze user comments in the National Archives Catalog?

Yes. You can run searchcomments inside Copilot Chat to find specific discussions, allowing your team to analyze community feedback directly within the editor.

Q: How does this National Archives Catalog MCP Server handle administrative actions in VS Code Copilot?

The server uses getjustifications to ensure every administrative action has a recorded reason. Your agent prompts you for this justification before executing any deletions.

Equip your entire development team with direct access to NARA records in VS Code Copilot.

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Connect National Archives Catalog MCP to VS Code Copilot

Create your Vinkius account to connect National Archives Catalog to VS Code Copilot 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 VS Code Copilot

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Query historical records inside VS Code Copilot

Finding specific National Archives Catalog documents using verified metadata tags is simple with the `search_records_by_tag` tool. Everyone on the team can access the exact same NARA dataset without leaving VS Code Copilot. By committing a shared configuration, your team uses `get_comments_by_naid` to inspect public discussions on specific NARA records. This ensures all developers work with consistent, real-world NARA data during collaborative VS Code Copilot sessions.

Edit transcriptions using this MCP Server

Pulling existing transcriptions of National Archives Catalog documents into your shared workspace is done via the `get_transcriptions_by_naid` tool. Your team can review NARA text layers side-by-side with your application code in VS Code Copilot. When you find errors, `update_transcription` submits corrections directly back to the National Archives Catalog. This turns VS Code Copilot into a collaborative portal for improving public archival accuracy.

Manage user comments directly from your workspace

Posting feedback or administrative notes onto specific National Archives Catalog files is handled by the `create_comment` tool. VS Code Copilot handles the API calls, keeping your team focused on the NARA document analysis. If a comment is flagged, `delete_comment` removes it from the National Archives Catalog instantly. This gives your VS Code Copilot development team direct NARA moderation capabilities without needing to build a custom admin panel.

Setup guide

Set up National Archives Catalog MCP in VS Code Copilot

Prerequisites

VS Code 1.99 or later with GitHub Copilot extension
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Open MCP configuration

Open the Command Palette (Cmd+Shift+P / Ctrl+Shift+P) and run "MCP: Add Server". Select HTTP (Streamable) as the server type. VS Code will create .vscode/mcp.json in your workspace.
2

Add the National Archives Catalog MCP

Paste the JSON snippet shown on the right into your .vscode/mcp.json. Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your endpoint token from cloud.vinkius.com.
3

Switch to Agent mode

Open Copilot Chat (Cmd+Shift+I / Ctrl+Shift+I) and switch to Agent mode using the dropdown. MCP tools are only available in Agent mode — they do not appear in Edit or Ask modes.
4

Verify the connection

In the Copilot Chat input, type # to list available tools. You should see the National Archives Catalog tools listed. Try asking: "List my recent National Archives Catalog transactions" and Copilot will invoke them automatically.

.vscode/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 VS Code Copilot

Create a `.vscode/mcp.json` config file in your repository root and commit it to Git. Every developer on your team will automatically get access to the MCP tools when they open the project.

Yes. You can run `search_comments` inside Copilot Chat to find specific discussions, allowing your team to analyze community feedback directly within the editor.

The server uses `get_justifications` to ensure every administrative action has a recorded reason. Your agent prompts you for this justification before executing any deletions.

No extra tools are needed. Once you define the MCP Server in your workspace configuration, VS Code Copilot handles the communication over standard input and output.

This server only handles public catalog records, comments, and tags. All operations are sandboxed in an ephemeral V8 environment, ensuring your team's code and workspace files are never exposed.

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