The mission of the New York Archival Society is to preserve, support, and promote the collections, services, and programs of the New York City Municipal Archives and Library.

The Society advances its mission through public outreach, events and sponsorship of special projects, especially those that encourage the use of primary source documents by researches including high school and college students in New York City.

New York City is one of the most diverse cities in the world and has been a leader in promoting the social, economic and political progress of its residents. The Society believes that preserving and making accessible to the public the records that document this history is important for the future progress of the City.