ARCHIVAL PROCEDURES
COVID-19 Research Protocols
All of our standard Archival Procedures (see below) and Research and Reproduction Fees that were in place prior to COVID-19 will continue to be followed. To ensure the safety of both of our staff and researchers, and in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements and recommendations, please note the following additional policies:
A PDF of the full list of COIVD-19 Research Protocols can be downloaded here.
All of our standard Archival Procedures (see below) and Research and Reproduction Fees that were in place prior to COVID-19 will continue to be followed. To ensure the safety of both of our staff and researchers, and in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements and recommendations, please note the following additional policies:
- Masks covering the nose and mouth must be worn at all times while in the building.
- A maximum of two researchers may be scheduled to be in the Reading Room at any given time. This can either be two independent researchers sitting at separate tables, or a group of two researchers who have come to do research together.
- In addition to checking in with staff and providing a valid photo ID upon arrival, researchers will now also be asked to present proof of a COVID-19 vaccination prior to their visit at the time the appointment is scheduled.
- We will accommodate researchers as soon as possible if timing and scheduling permits, but please make your research appointment at least three weeks in advance, and please allow three weeks for us to respond to all research requests.
A PDF of the full list of COIVD-19 Research Protocols can be downloaded here.
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. Digital reproductions of items must be requested through the use of our Image Reproduction Form. Reproduction requests may be denied due to the status or condition of the material. Please see our Archival Research and Reproduction Fees schedule for more information.
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 a 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.
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. Digital reproductions of items must be requested through the use of our Image Reproduction Form. Reproduction requests may be denied due to the status or condition of the material. Please see our Archival Research and Reproduction Fees schedule for more information.
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 a 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.
