Research

The Cohasset Historical Society archive contains over 20,000 items, including photographs, documents, and diaries spanning 200 years of Cohasset history.

 

If you would like to schedule an appointment to come to our archive in Cohasset, please fill out the In-Person Research Application.

Alternatively, our dedicated staff can conduct research on your behalf and answer your questions. Fill out the Staff-Conducted Research Request Form, and please note that there may be a 1-2 week wait before staff responds to your request.

We do not accept impromptu research inquiries via walk-in, phone, or email. You must fill out one of the forms below.

Please see our fee schedule below.

 
 
 
 

  • For Research Requests completed by our staff, see our fee schedule below:

    Cohasset Historical Society Members: No charge up to one hour, $25 per each additional hour

    Non-Members: $25 per hour

    Once a staff member has determined that your request is feasible, a link will be sent to you to complete your payment. Most requests can be completed in one hour.

  • High Resolution (for personal use)

    Society Members ($100 and above): Free up to 3 images, $10 for every additional image.

    Non-Members: $25 per image.

    High Resolution (for commercial use)

    $50 per image

    Please credit the Society with “Courtesy of the Cohasset Historical Society.”

    High Resolution (for publication)

    $100 per image

    Please credit the Society with “Courtesy of the Cohasset Historical Society” in your publication.

    Low Resolution, with watermark

    Society Members: Free

    Non-Members: Suggested donation of $5

  • Rules for the Use of Library & Archives

    The Cohasset Historical Society library and archives is open to members, visitors, students, and researchers. The following policies are designed to encourage use of the Society’s holdings while protecting and preserving rare, fragile, and unique materials for future use.

    • Appointments made in advance are required for all researchers.

    • All personal belongings including coats, books, briefcases, purses, backpacks, computer carrying cases, notebooks, and binders must be kept away from any archival material.

    • Only note-taking materials/devices (notepaper, pencils, laptops) are allowed on reading room tables. Use of pens or indelible pencils is not permitted. Pencils are available at the front desk. Scanning and photography are allowed only under the express permission of the the curator.

    • Archival materials are non-circulating and cannot be taken out of the building. Stack and storage areas are closed to the public.

    • Food and drink are strictly prohibited.

    • Audible features on cell phones and laptop computers must be turned off before entering. Cell phones may be used in the lobby area only.

    • All materials must be handled with great care. Only one folder may be used at a time. Do not rearrange individual items or folders.

    • Permission to examine archival materials is not authorization to publish or to reproduce the examined material in whole, or in part. A separate "Permission-to-Publish" application must be submitted to the Society.

    • Readers may order a limited number of photocopies/reproductions pending staff approval and in accordance with the copyright law of the United States. Some material will not be copied due to condition or donor restriction. Please see the Society’s Photocopy Policies and Procedures for more information.

    • The reader assumes full responsibility for use of the material and agrees to hold harmless the Cohasset Historical Society against all claims, demands, costs and expenses incurred by copyright infringement or any other legal or regulatory cause of action arising from the use of the library's materials.