The collections include manuscripts, sound recordings, film and tape footage, maps, blueprints, photographs and digital media.

[1] The New York City Municipal Archives preserves and makes available more than 10 million historical vital records (birth, marriage and death certificates) for all five boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island).

Researchers have open access to the indexes, and both microfilmed and digital copies of vital records on-site in the Municipal Library and Archives Reference Room.

The Municipal Archives consists of four units to ensure the multi-format collections created by New York City Government are acquired, described, preserved and made publicly accessible.

[8] The Archives has developed various projects to engage non-traditional audiences including participation in Photoville on an annual basis,[9] gathering community stories from residents of City neighborhoods, and sponsoring a five-year celebration of American women winning suffrage.