Massachusetts Historical Society

Research

The MHS strives to foster a research community that actively promotes the study of the history of Massachusetts and the nation. We offer an exceptional range of resources for making and sharing historical discoveries. Visitors can enjoy public talks, tours, exhibitions, scholarly seminars and conferences, and gain access to our unparalleled collections through our research library and our website. 

The MHS welcomes a wide variety of researchers—representing 35 countries and all 50 states—from high school students, to family historians, to professors and Pulitzer Prize-winning authors. These researchers network, share their findings, and exchange ideas. 

We invite you to take advantage of our services.

Our Scholarly Community

Faculty, graduate students, and independent scholars will discover fresh ideas that support and energize their work in our seminars, conferences, publications, and through our research fellowships.

Engage with others

Fellowships

The research projects that the MHS supports through its fellowship programs produce cutting-edge historical scholarship.

Our fellowship programs

Research Fellows Alumni Network

The MHS continues to maintain professional relationships with and extend benefits to former research fellows.

Keep in touch

Seminars

The MHS organizes seven seminar series that bring together a diverse group of scholars and members of the public to workshop a pre-circulated paper.

More about our Seminars

Brown-Bag Lunches

We offer more than two dozen brown-bag lunch programs every year. These programs are free of charge, and no RSVP is required.

More about our Brown-bags

Conferences

The MHS hosts biennial conferences that bring together scholars from around the world to discuss the latest research on thematic topics.

Learn about our next conference

The Collections

The collection of the MHS provides an unparalleled record of American history.

Learn more about our collection
Browse our collection guides
Plan a research visit

Presidential Papers

The MHS holds valuable presidential papers and artifacts from throughout United States history.

Explore our presidential papers

Subject Guides

Subject guides describe our holdings on particular topics such as African American history and Native Americans.

Browse our subject guides

Browse our Underrepresented Communities port

Use the Library

The MHS Library is free and open to the public. Please note that anyone wishing to access the library must complete our registration process.

Learn more about using our library

Reference Services

Librarians are available for live meetings by appointment via Zoom, or you can live chat with a member of the reference staff.

Learn more about our reference services

Reproduction Services

Our staff is currently working with limited access to the collection but is able to process low-resolution, publication quality, and photo print orders.

Learn more about our reproduction services

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