Welcome to the HSLB Research Center
The research center is one of the most important services the Historical Society of Long Beach provides to the public. Collections have served groups and individuals like local and family historians, educators, community partners, and more to connect the past and present of Long Beach history. There are more than one million items in our collection ranging from photographs, documents, maps, ephemera, etc.
In-person research appointments are free for members, $40 all day for those who are not yet members. This does not include fees for copies or reproductions. The fees reflect an effort to continue preservation of historical collections and to staff the research center. We are a working active archive with an expanding collection that follows industry standards when handling, re-housing, preserving, and cataloging objects in the museum’s database. Because of these efforts we are able to share local history with the public through research and free gallery exhibitions five days a week.
We urge you to support our mission by ensuring history never gets lost and is accessible for everyone. By becoming a member, you have the benefit of accessing research for free and receiving discounts on photographs, books, and events.
Membership levels start at $75 (or $35 for students and $50 for seniors, with proof). For information on membership please click HERE
Research appointments are conducted at our gallery and archives at 4260 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, California 90807. The Research Request Form is provided via the link below. Please allow minimum 1-3 business days for staff to prepare and confirm your appointment.
Click Here for the Research Request Form
What to Expect
Step 1: Submit a Research Request Form
Visitors to the Research Center come looking for various information, from learning about a specific person, topic, or event. Please fill out the research request form to inquire about your questions by being detailed as possible. We do our best to assist with research topics and interests.
Step 2: Preliminary Search
Once submitting a research request form, a staff member will contact you of findings in our collection. During this time staff will look into the museum database- PastPerfect using search criteria from a detailed description that is provided by the researcher. Staff will also guide through the process and suggest related topics and resources. After findings have been confirmed, an appointment will be made and fees will be collected on the day of.
Step 3: Research Appointment
Before arriving, staff will gather materials from the archive. It can range from documents, photographs, artifacts, books, maps, biographies, and ephemera. A research space will be provided in our gallery and you will be given gloves to handle materials safely. Staff will share information of final materials and be able to assist with questions throughout the appointment.