Collections

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.

Collection Highlights

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.

Online Resources

Browse web presentations by subject, era, or medium, or see a list of all of our online resources.

Upcoming Events
Brown Bag; Research Fellow

To “Watch” and “Gall” the Enemy: George Washington Wages Petite Guerre

21Aug 12:00PM 2019

Petite guerre or partisan warfare was a critical component of eighteenth-century armed conflict. Historians of the American Revolution, however, have frequently ...
Teacher Workshop

Immigration Policy in American History

22Aug 9:00AM 2019
Registration fee: $40

This workshop will explore the long history of immigration policy in the United States and its legacy in politics today. Our discussions will cover the wave of Irish ...
Brown Bag

History on the Hoof: New Perspectives on Animal Research during the Civil War Era

23Aug 12:00PM 2019

The Civil War affected America’s farmers in profound ways and especially the horse, cattle, and dairy industries. Modern civilization’s reliance on the ...
See our calendar for all events

From our Blog

This Week @MHS

Join us for a program this week! Here is a look at what is going on: - Tuesday, 29 January, 5:15 PM: Better Teaching through Technology, 1945-1969, with Victoria Cain, Northeastern ...

Founder to Founder

Like so many good stories here at the Historical Society, it began with a reference question. Jeremy Belknap, hunting through his sources, asked Vice President John Adams for some help. Belknap, the ...

Read more from our blog

Have you seen?

John Adams