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Library






About the Library

The library will be closed early on Wednesday, 20 May, at 3:30 pm.

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The library of the Massachusetts Historical Society serves primarily as a repository for collections of the personal papers of individuals and families who lived in Massachusetts. It is open to the public without charge. Researchers are encouraged to contact the reference librarian before planning a visit.


Hours and Contact Information
The library is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am until 4:45 pm, and Saturday from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm. The reading room is also open on Thursdays until 7:30 pm.

The Hour & Directions page contains detailed MBTA and driving directions to the Society as well as information about parking.

  Please address inquiries to:
  Massachusetts Historical Society
  1154 Boylston Street
  Boston, MA 02215
  Phone: (617) 536-1608
  Fax: (617) 859-0074
  E-mail: library@masshist.org



About the Collections
On the Library Collections page, you will find an overview of the collections in nine general categories:
Enlarge Manuscripts, Books and Pamphlets, Broadsides, Newspapers, Maps, Early Imprints, Works of Art, Photographs, and Numismatics and Historical Artifacts. The pages describing each of these sections include summaries of the materials, information on how to search the holdings, and methods of obtaining access to the collections.


Reference Services
The page describing Reference Services includes instructions and suggestions for asking reference questions. This information appears within a Research Guide, which encompasses a list of Frequently Asked Questions about Massachusetts History and a list of recommendations on Where to Begin Your Research.

Visiting the Library
The Visiting the Library page contains information useful to researchers planning a visit to the library. Included here are reading room policies and procedures, guidelines for requesting photocopies, and microfilm information. Linked pages provide instructions for using ABIGAIL, the online catalog, and explain the Society's policies on rights and reproductions.

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Massachusetts Historical Society
1154 Boylston Street (directions)
Boston, MA 02215-3695
Tel: 617.536.1608
Fax: 617.859.0074
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