We are pleased to welcome authors; university and college teachers; independent scholars; photo researchers; members of the press; elementary and secondary school students; undergraduate and graduate students, including PhD candidates; architects; building developers; and family and house historians, among many others. Children under 6 will not be admitted. The Research Center is also a popular destination for History Fair students.

Appointments are required for History Fair researchers (grades 6 to 12). Please fill out our online form to request an appointment. Appointments must be confirmed by the Research Center.

The majority of our collections are housed outside of the Research Center. Call slips are available on each table and should be filled out as completely as possible so that staff can retrieve the material. Paging stops at 3:30 p.m.

Some material, including color photographs, must be requested at least 48 hours in advance; a note in the catalog record will alert you to this type of restriction. Most of our material is fragile, so please respect the following policies: Pencils only. No food, drink, or gum.

Photocopying Fees
$.50/page
$.25/page for History Fair students
Please note: Photocopies will not be made of city directories, newspapers, scrapbooks, maps, color photographs, and original photographs created prior to 1900. Depending on demand, photocopies may not be available for same-day pick up.

Camera Use Policy
Researchers may photograph most Research Center material. If you wish to use your camera, please notify a Research Center staff member upon arrival and plan to review and sign our Camera Use Policy before taking photographs.

The Research Center is open most Friday mornings (and on Thursdays in summer months) from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon for researchers who have identified in advance the material they want to use. No additional materials can be retrieved, reference assistance provided, or photocopying until the Research Center reopens at 1:00 p.m.

To request a morning appointment, email [email protected]

Due to the current shelter in place conditions, this question applies to all of us, including the staff of the Research Center. However, there are a number of services still available:

• Please explore the Online Research Resources, including the Encyclopedia of Chicago and the image licensing portal.
• If you require remote research assistance, please contact us at [email protected]. Staff working from home will provide assistance where possible and perhaps suggest additional places to search online or resources that may be available when restrictions are lifted.
• Once the Museum reopens, you may also wish to consider hiring a freelance researcher to conduct research on your behalf.