Archives & Research Center

Since we operate with a small staff and volunteers, researchers can be accommodated by appointment only.

Please make your research appointment at least three weeks in advance, and allow three weeks for us to respond to research requests.

Please familiarize yourself with our Archival Procedures as well as our Research & Reproduction Fees prior to your visit to the Archives.

Society staff does not conduct requested research. Freelance researchers may be hired to conduct research in the archives on behalf of other individuals. Lexington Historical Society staff is willing to facilitate the hiring of freelance researchers if necessary. These researchers may charge an hourly fee, in addition to the $35 flat fee for use of the archives.

To make an appointment, please use the form below.

Research privileges are extended to Lexington Historical Society Members at no charge. Research privileges are extended to students and nonprofit 501(C)(3) organizations at no charge.

For non-members, thirty minutes of preliminary staff time will be offered to researchers at no charge. After thirty minutes, researchers may utilize the archives for a $35 research fee; or, they can become a member of the Society.

For personal or individual use:

• High Resolution Digital Scan: $50 per image

• Low Resolution Digital Scan: $2 per image

For commercial use:

• High Resolution Digital Scan: $100 per image

For publishing in a commercial publication:

• High Resolution Digital Scan: $150 per image

For use or non-commercial publication by a nonprofit 501(C)(3) organization:

• High Resolution Digital Scan: $25 per image

Lexington non-profit organizations receive 3 images at no charge per calendar year.

Any permissions granted by the Lexington Historical Society are for one-time use only. All reproductions copyright Lexington Historical Society unless otherwise noted in writing. Lexington Historical Society should receive a credit line in all publications. Use of preferred citation for each collection is expected.

Fees for Photocopies of Documents

• Photocopies of documents: $.50 per page

Note: When visiting the archives, non-flash photographs of items may be taken in lieu of photocopies at no charge. Proper attribution must still be given to Lexington Historical Society.

*All image reproductions will be provided in a digital format via email. A CD format may be requested for $2+shipping.

Lexington Historical Society maintains a research library. The collections cover the entirety of Lexington’s history from the 17th century through the present day, and include thousands of original manuscripts, photographs, and objects. Our archival and object collections are especially rich regarding Lexington’s historic role in the opening days of the American Revolution.

Digitization of the Society’s collection is ongoing and a small portion of our materials is available through the Online Collections.

View Online Collections

Researchers should familiarize themselves with these regulations prior to visiting the archives.

1. Researchers are required to complete a check-in process with the Archives staff upon each visit, including presenting a valid photo ID.

2. No personal belongings such as large bags or coats are allowed in the archives reading room. Researchers may leave their belongings in the Archives office or other designated area for the duration of their visit.

3. Notes may be taken using a personal computer, phone, or paper and pencil. The use of pens is forbidden in the Archives reading room.

4. No food or drink is allowed in the Archives reading room and hands must be clean and dry before handling archival materials.

5. Archival items may be photographed using a personal camera or cellphone, without the use of a flash, at no charge.

6. Photocopies of archival items may be requested and are subject to a fee.

7. Storage areas will be closed to researchers, and staff will retrieve requested items and deliver them to the researcher in the Archives reading room.

8. Researchers are allowed to call two boxes of material at a time. It is requested that researchers open only one folder at a time, and ensure that the order of material is maintained within each folder and box.

9. All archival materials must be viewed flat on the table. Do not make marks on any materials or affix extraneous items to any pages. No objects should be placed on top of any archival materials. Please report any concerns or damages regarding materials to Archives staff immediately.

10. Any permissions granted by the Lexington Historical Society are for one-time use only. All reproductions copyright Lexington Historical Society unless otherwise noted in writing. Lexington Historical Society should receive a credit line in all publications. Use of preferred citation for each collection is expected.

    Permission for Use of Images Form

The Archives and Research Center is located at Munroe Tavern.

1332 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA 02420