The Institute is actively collecting material and undertaking documentary work. Personal documents and individual emigrants' stories are given special attention. Research, publications and exhibits are a most significant part of the Emigrant Institute's activities.The Emigrant Institute maintains contacts with several European and American emigrant societies and institutes.

Researchers are very welcome to use our resources. Thanks to good co-operation with The Åland Islands Provincial Archives the Institute has access to e.g. church records and passport lists. Furthermore the Emigrant Institute has collections of its own, containing photographs, letters, newspaper cuttings and interviews among other things. A small fee is charged for the use of database facilities.