The Massachusetts Historical Society is one of the nation’s most respected research libraries. Our extraordinary collections provide an unparalleled record of American history and are enjoyed by scholars and the public alike.
The MHS possesses a remarkable assembly of personal papers of three presidents, John Adams, John Quincy Adams, and Thomas Jefferson. The collections also contain accounts of the lives of thousands of ordinary Americans.
Explore the collections
The collections are available to all in person, online, and through exhibitions and programs. Learn more about doing research at the MHS.
Use these tools to view highlights, digital collections, and other online resources.
Browse a selection of objects from the Society's vast collection showcasing a range of items—from iconic treasures to quirky historical artifacts. You can limit your search by topic or format.
Browse web presentations by subject, era, or medium, or see a list of all of our online resources.
The History and Collections of the Massachusetts Historical Society Tour is a 90-minute docent-led walk through our public rooms. The tour is free, open to the public, ...
The History and Collections of the Massachusetts Historical Society Tour is a 90-minute docent-led walk through our public rooms. The tour is free, open to the public, ...
The Liberator’s Legacy explores popular memory of William Lloyd Garrison, Frederick Douglass, and their fellow abolitionists in the decades following the Civil ...
On August 15, 1824, the General Marquis de Lafayette, one of the great heroes of the American Revolution, returned to the United States for the first time in forty years, kicking off a nearly thirteen ...
The only things on the calendar for the week ahead are a full teacher workshop and a free tour: - Wednesday, 9 August, 9:00AM : Participants in "Food in American History" - a three-day workshop, ...
