The American Research Center in Sofia offers unparalleled research opportunities and support for students and scholars interested in any aspect of Bulgarian and Balkan history, society, and culture: a residence facility for visitors; a comfortable, modern library with extensive and diverse holdings now numbering more than 15,000 volumes; and a knowledgeable and welcoming staff offering logistical support.

The Center provides ARCS Fellows and other participants in its Academic Program a thorough and intensive introduction to the history and religion of Bulgaria and neighboring countries. The program is especially geared to the needs of graduate students in the humanities and social sciences who are conducting thesis or dissertation research, but it is open as well to advanced undergraduates and professionals.

With a collection that now numbers over 15,000 volumes, the Library ranks as one of the most important in Bulgaria. The core subject areas are the archaeology and ancient history of the Balkan peninsula, with secondary, and quickly developing, specializations in the Medieval, Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern/contemporary periods. The collection includes an increasing number of materials that are unique or hard to find elsewhere in the country.

ARCS has published three volumes: "Communism versus Democracy, Bulgaria 1944 to 1997" (2010); "State and Church: Studies in Medieval Bulgaria and Byzantium" (2011); and, the first translation in Bulgarian of "The Pen and the Sword". A publication committee formed in 2012 ensures that ARCS will publish many more monographs and edited volumes in the near future.

The Center organizes an archaeological field school at Heraclea Sintica, overseen by Dr. Emil Nankov. The Victims of Communism database serves as a memorial to individuals who lost their lives or were persecuted in Bulgaria by the regime.

The America for Bulgaria Foundation is the primary sponsor of our Academic Programs.

Gallery