Research Services
Maine Historical Society offers various categories of research, such as family history, Maine local history, domestic architecture, and images. See below for details.
Ready–Reference
If you have a simple reference question, such as "When did Maine become a state?" or "Do you have Longfellow: Poems and Other Writings in your collection?" then please use the Ask A Librarian form. Library staff will determine if your question qualifies as our free ready–reference service, or if you should consider our fee–based research services. We will contact you before beginning any research.
Quick Search
Request a "quick search" for the answer to a specific question using the online research request form. We will spend 15 minutes or less to search our available sources.
- $15.00 (MHS Members receive 10% discount).
- Includes up to 5 black & white photocopies, or 2 color copies.
- Additional photocopies at $.25 each (black & white), $1.00 each for color.
- Postage may be additional.
- Use online research request form.
Example: Does a Frances Murray, born 1900, appear in the 1930 census of Lewiston?
In–Depth Research
Request research for open–ended questions using the online research request form. We will search available sources and provide you with a written report of the findings.
- $35.00 per hour, with a maximum of 5 hours at a time (MHS Members receive 10% discount).
- Includes up to 5 black & white photocopies, or 2 color copies.
- Additional photocopies at $.25 each (black & white), $1.00 each for color.
- Postage may be additional.
- Use online research request form.
Example: My great-grandfather was living in Eastport in 1850. Can you tell me his siblings and parents?
Photocopy Service
Request photocopies from a known source (which you identify) by using the online research request form. Copyright and other considerations prevent photocopying entire books and original manuscripts.
- $10.00 per source (MHS Members receive 10% discount).
- Includes up to 5 black & white photocopies, or 2 color copies.
- Additional photocopies at $.25 each (black & white), $1.00 each for color.
- Postage may be additional.
- Use online research request form.
Example: Please send me copies of pages 164 through 175 of The Libby Family in America.
Image Research
The Maine Historical Society has over 140,000 photographs in its collection. Most are available for photographic or digital reproducations for publication or personal display. Search www.vintagemaineimages.com for selected images. If you are looking for an item that does not appear on that site, contact us to request a photo search.
- $35 per hour, charged in one–hour increments. We will notify you if research time is required and provide an estimate.
- Fifteen minutes of research time is included in all orders. Additional staff research time may be required to locate an item.
- See Image Services for more information.
Genealogical Research Consulting
Request personal consultation on how to begin your research, how to get past a brick wall you have encountered, or suggestions for further research sources. Sit down with one of our staff or a professional researcher for a private consultation.
- $20 per half–hour
- Contact us to set up an appointment.
Policies
Online Resources and Membership
You may find the manuscript or photograph that you need on the Maine Memory Network (www.mainememory.net). We encourage you to become a member of MHS and visit our Members Only area to access our databases (remotely and in our library).
MHS members will receive 10% discount on the final cost of the research, not including postage. Become an MHS Member.
Payment and time tracking
All research service requests must be pre–paid. Once MHS receives payment, your research will be placed into the workflow. MHS accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover. You may authorize up to 5 hours of research to complete your request, but you will only be charged for the research time that was spent. If we feel your request will take more time than you have authorized, we will contact you. Please include address, phone, and email address.
Delivery and Postage
All research requests, other than ready–reference questions, will be answered through the mail. We will keep a copy of your research report on file. Depending on the number of pages, you may be charged a minimal postage charge.
Fulfillment
Research requests are filled in two to four weeks.
Questions
Contact us at (207) 774–1822 x209 or research@mainehistory.org.