Library & Archives
Our collections have been assembled during the past 100 years with materials that reflect the 300 year history of Suffolk County, its ten towns, and its inhabitants. Besides histories, the library contains genealogies, biographies, periodicals, town records, ledgers, diaries, photographs, postcards, maps and atlases, cemetery transcriptions, ancestor charts, scrapbooks, Bible records and newspapers. Federal and state censuses for Suffolk County are also available on microfilm. Currently the library has more than 20,000 volumes and over 840 cubic feet of manuscripts.
In addition, our library and archives is the repository of the holdings of the National Society of the Daughters of the Revolution of 1776 (D of R). This organization was distinct from the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and our D of R holdings reflect different lineages from those found in DAR records. The D of R membership applications have been indexed. This index is a database that can be searched by the Patriot's name or by the D of R Applicant’s name. This database is available at the website of the German Genealogy Group along with a printable request form for use in ordering copies of the D of R applications from our library. The fee is $10 per D of R application.
Also at the German Genealogy site is an index to our Ackerly Collection, a set of notebooks in our library holdings that mention many 17th-, 18th-, and 19th-century Suffolk residents.
LIBRARY POLICY
The stacks are closed, and books do not circulate. Researchers are asked to sign in and to utilize our extensive card catalog before deciding the direction of their research. Materials will be retrieved by the library staff for the researcher's use. An experienced staff member is always available to assist researchers. Be sure to bring with you: Pencils and paper for notetaking, cash for photocopies, and a laptop computer to access our Ancestry Library subscription from within our building. Pens (ink), food and drink, and photography are not allowed in the library.
REMOTE RESEARCH SERVICES
Research rates for a two-hour basic search are $18 for members ($30 non-members) plus $5 for handling and processing of materials. Please call the library before ordering a research service so that our librarian can determine whether we can assist you with your research needs. Payment must be received prior to research being commenced. Payment may be made by personal check or by credit card:
For those unable to visit the society, research services are available for specific research questions by regular mail, telephone, or e-mail. Requests are taken in turn. Every effort is made to complete the research within a reasonable time. However, turnover time is dependent on subject, resources of the library, and availability of volunteer researchers.
REPRODUCTION RIGHTS POLICY
Access our Reproduction Rights Policy, Application for Reproduction/Copyright Permission, and Fee Schedule:
Reproduction Rights Policy (.pdf)
PHOTOCOPY SERVICES AND FEES
Photocopies may be requested by regular mail, telephone, or e-mail. The service charge for such requests is $5 for members ($7 non-members) plus the cost of photocopies--$.10 a sheet for members ($.20 non-members). Ledger paper (11" by 17") counts as two sheets. If an item is too fragile to be photocopied and can be photographed at our discretion, the cost of grayscale photograph-copies is $1.00 per photo for members ($2 for non-members). Payment must be received prior to copying services being commenced. Payment may be made by personal check to Suffolk County Historical Society. Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope (with two first-class stamps) with your payment.
NON-MEMBER VISITOR FEES
A donation of $5/day is requested for use of the research library by non-members. Students and visitors under the age of 14 will be admitted without a donation.
TOURS
Special tours of the library or use by school groups can be arranged by contacting the society.
HOURS
The Library is open 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM, Wednesday thru Friday and by appointment only on Saturday. To ensure access to research services and resources, however, all researchers are highly encouraged to schedule an appointment. If you are traveling from a long distance away, have extensive research needs, or intend to visit on a Saturday, you are required to make an appointment. Call to reserve your research visit: 631-727-2881 x103.
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