Access & Research

Remote Research Services

For researchers who cannot visit the Newport Historical Society in person, NHS staff can conduct research on their behalf. The first half hour of staff research is free, after which fees apply (see below). After an initial consult by phone or email, NHS staff will provide an estimate of the time and cost for the inquiry. Research will be completed after payment has been received. Please note, NHS is not obligated to assist inquiries that involve excessive time or cost to the institution, and all services are contingent upon staff availability.

Our remote research services include:

• Property and house research
• Historic house plaques
• Genealogy
• Archives and collections research
• Transcription services

Onsite Research Assistance

For researchers who need one-on-one assistance while conducting genealogical or archival research on-site in the Newport Historical Society’s collections, NHS staff can be hired to work with you for an hourly rate (see below). After an initial consult by phone or email, NHS staff will provide an estimate of the time and cost for services. Estimates are approximate; on-site appointments can be shortened, and the research assistance terminated when the researcher believes they have received enough information to continue research on their own (see fee structure). It can also be extended if more in-depth assistance is required, pending staff availability. Payment is due at the end of the appointment. Please note, NHS is not obligated to assist inquiries that involve excessive time or cost to the institution, and all services are contingent upon staff availability.

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 the Reading Room.
• Personal laptops are permitted, 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.
• No food or drink is permitted in the Reading Room; this includes gum, candy, water and cough drops.
• All personal items brought into the Reading Room are subject to staff inspection on exit.

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.

Research Appointments

Our Resource Center remains closed to walk-in researchers: Appointments must be made in advance. For more information, please email research@newporthistory.org or call 401-846-0813, ext. 190. Appointments are contingent on staff availability, the latest R.I. health guidance, and the availability of relevant resources within our collection.

Appointments are made on a first come, first served basis, with priority given to NHS Members. Fees apply (see above).