Appointments & Access

Have a quick question?

Our ready reference policy refers to requests made via phone, email or mail that do not require a visit to the Newport Historical Society Research Library and Resource Center. Staff will answer specific questions about the history of Newport county and resources in our collection without charging a fee. These are questions that can typically be answered with 30 minutes or less of staff research. Beyond that time, requests will be charged according to the fee schedule below.

Ready reference requests do not encompass surveys of collections or original research using collections materials. To have staff conduct original research, we charge a fee of $100/hour, or $75/hour for NHS members. All service times are from the time in which payment for service is received, if payment is required.

Examples of ready reference questions include:

• During what years did the British army occupy Newport during the American Revolution?
• Who headlined the Newport Folk Festival in 1976?
• Do you have a copy of my grandfather’s obituary? His name was John Smith and he died in 1980.
• Do you have Newport town records from the year 1776?

Examples of paid research requests include:

• What were the cultural and socioeconomic impacts of the British occupation during the American Revolution on the Newport community?
• What role has the Newport Folk Festival played in the national folk music scene from its inception up to present day?
• Do you have any information about my great, great grandparents?
• Can you give me an overview of the contents of Abraham Redwood’s account books?

Hugh D. Auchincloss III Reading Room Rules

All visitors who wish to utilize collections at the NHS must complete a Researcher Registration Form and adhere to the following rules in the Reading Room and Research Library:

Patron Belongings

• The NHS reserves the right to decline use of its facilities to any person.
• Patrons must leave all belongings in designated lockers.
• No jackets, coats or bags are permitted in research spaces; All bags, including purses, handbags, backpacks and laptop cases must be stored prior to using materials.
• Notebooks, folders and other loose papers are not permitted, notepads and pencils will be provided. Absolutely no ink pens allowed.
• Personal laptops and tablets are permitted for note-taking, but cases must be stored with other personal belongings.
• Cameras and mobile phones are permitted but monitored; see the Personal Photography Policy and Agreement for requirements and conditions.
• Scanners, camera stands and lighting equipment are not permitted. Reproductions, digital scans and copies are available, please visit our Reproductions page for more information.
• Any items that are deemed by staff to be harmful to collections, patrons or personnel are not permitted in the resource center.
• No food or drink is permitted in research spaces; this includes gum, candy, water and cough drops. Water bottles and travels mugs are not permitted and must be stored with other personal belongings.
• All personal items brought into research spaces are subject to staff inspection on exit.
• Patrons must adhere to NHS pandemic regulations (subject to change), including temperature checks, mask wearing and hand washing.

Handling Materials

• Patrons must wash hands before handling collections.
• Maintaining the original order of the collection is essential to our ability to retrieve artifacts. Please examine one folder at a time and keep materials in order.
• All collections are non-circulating. All materials must be viewed in the Reading Room or Research Library.
• Items must be handled with care, and pages turned slowly.
• Items must remain flat on the table while being viewed.
• Please refrain from applying pressure when viewing manuscripts and special collections; note taking on the surface of the materials and tracing are prohibited.
• Items must remain in their protective enclosures. Patrons wishing to view items outside of their enclosures must ask for staff assistance.
• Staff may request that you wear white cotton gloves to limit deterioration of original materials. Gloves will be provided.
• All items must be returned to staff. Please do not re-shelve materials.