FAQs
- Where is the Library and Archives located? The Library and Archives is located on the ground level of Otis House at 141 Cambridge Street in Boston, Massachusetts. Otis House stands at the foot of Beacon Hill, next to the Old West Church.
- Are all archival materials stored in Boston? No, a sizable portion of the archival collection is additionally housed at the Haverhill Regional Office.
- Is the Library and Archives accessible to people in wheelchairs? Yes, with notice.
- How do I get to the Library and Archives? The Library and Archives is a short walk from several MBTA stations: Charles/MGH on the Red Line of the subway, Bowdoin Square on the Blue Line, and Government Center and North Station on the Green Line. Get directions on Google Maps.
- How do I contact you? Email [email protected] or call 617-994-5909. Mailing address: Library and Archives Historic New England 141 Cambridge Street Boston, Mass. 02114-2702
- Is parking available? Historic New England does not provide parking, however, there is limited street parking and multiple garages in downtown Boston.
- I am not a member of Historic New England. Can I use the Library and Archives? Absolutely! We are open to the public by appointment. The general admittance fee is $5, and the student fee is $3. Admission is free to Historic New England members.
- What is the geographic scope, date range, and subject coverage of your collections. The geographic scope of the Library and Archives covers the six states of New England: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The majority of the collections date from the late eighteenth century through the twentieth century. We collect materials to support the mission of Historic New England. The principle collection areas include:
- Architecture – including the building trades and interior decoration
- Domestic, social, and material Life
- Landscape – urban, rural, and domestic
- Agriculture
- Business and industry
- Decorative arts
- Photography
- Ephemera
- Transportation
- Travel and tourism
- Preservation movement in the United States
- History of Historic New England, its collections, and historic house museums
- How can I find information about Historic New England properties? Visit the Homes, Farms, and Landscapes page to find information about Historic New England’s museum properties. The Library and Archives also contains resources on each property.
- Can I do genealogical research at Historic New England? You may, but our resources are limited in this area.
- How do I donate my material? We appreciate all offers of gifts to the Library and Archives. Please contact us to discuss potential donations.
- Do I need to arrange an appointment for my research visit? Yes, contact us to schedule an appointment and to discuss your research interests so that we can best meet your needs and ensure the materials you are interested in researching are located onsite for your visit.
- Are there guidelines for handling of materials? Yes. We request that you use pencils, rather than pens, in the Library and Archives. To protect fragile materials, we ask you allow the staff to handle some oversized materials for you. Gloves are provided and must be worn when working with photographs. No food or drinks are allowed in the Library and Archives.
- Can I take your materials out of the Library and Archives? Can I request your holdings through inter-library loan? The Library and Archives is not a lending library and does not participate in inter-library loan.
- Can I use a computer or camera in the Library and Archives? Computers are permitted in the Library and Archives. Cellphones and cameras are also allowed with approval upon visitor registration. All other copying devices are prohibited.
- Can I obtain reproductions of photographs or other materials in the Library and Archives? Can I make copies of items in your collections? Please see our Reproductions page for information and fee schedules related to reproductions and permissions. Please note that condition of the original, volume of requests, and copyright restrictions may all impact the ability to reproduce materials and new photography incurs a separate fee.
- I cannot visit the Library and Archives. Do you provide remote research services? Staff may provide free collections research for up to thirty minutes. After that, researchers must schedule an appointment to conduct their research in-person. For researchers unable to travel to Boston, the Library and Archives may, depending on capacity, be able to provide remote research services for a fee of $50 an hour (1 hour minimum). All fees must be paid before research is conducted and there is no guarantee of research results. Reproductions and permissions are separate fees. Contact us to discuss your research question to get a sense of scope and timing.
- Do you provide access to other online research databases beyond the Collections Access Portal? No.
- Do you have secure lockers for my belongings? No, though materials may be stored in the Library and Archives reading room.
- Can you suggest local institutions that have materials related to your collections?
