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.

LIBRARY POLICY
The stacks are closed, and books do not circulate. Researchers are asked to sign in and to utilize our extensive card catalogue before deciding the direction of their research. Materials will be retrieved by the library staff for their use. An experienced staff member is always available to assist researchers.

RESEARCH SERVICES
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.

Research rates for a 2-hour basic search are $18 for members ($30 non-members) plus the cost of photocopies, and postage and handling. Payment must be received prior to research being commenced.

PHOTOCOPY SERVICES AND FEES
Photocopies may also 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. The cost of photocopies is $.10 a sheet for members ($.20 non-members). Ledger paper (11" by 17") counts as two sheets.

NON-MEMBER VISITOR FEES
A donation of $2/day is requested for use of the reference library by non-members. Students of all ages 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 from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM Wednesday—Saturday