How to Research
Thank you for your interest in doing research at the Historical Society of Long Beach! Below is a step by step process on conducting research. In person research appointments are $40 all day for non-members and free for members. Appointments are conducted during public hours only. There are no same day or walk-in research appointments allowed.
Step 1. Submit a Research Request Form
Please fill out the research request form detailing as much information as possible so that we can better determine what materials will help our researchers. There are more than one million items in our collection ranging from photographs, documents, maps, ephemera, etc. We do our best to assist with research topics and interests.
Step 2. Preliminary Research
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 galleries 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. In person research appointments are $40 all day for non-members and free for members. Appointments are conducted during public hours only Tuesday through Friday. There is no same day or walk-in research appointments allowed.
To schedule a research appointment, please fill out and submit the Research Request Form provided via the link below. Please allow 48 HOURS notice for the staff to prepare and confirm your appointment.
Note:
Researchers are interested in varying topics and the Historical Society of Long Beach provides access to the collection and archives but does not guarantee having specific items, topics, or answers. Instead we encourage you to explore and learn what is in a collection.
Please fill the form below and you may expect a response from a staff member between 1-3 business days. Staff will coordinate with you of findings in our collection, discuss further of your research topic, and set up an appointment date.
Research appointments are conducted only during public hours. Please list a few dates that will work for you.
CLICK HERE FOR THE RESEARCH REQUEST FORM
How to Handle Archival Materials
Research Agreement Form
Remote Research
Remote research is a highly specialized service provided to those who are not able to come in person. During this process the research coordinator designates their time to search for topics of interest to the researcher and goes through materials to confirm or deny a finding. We will do our best to answer inquiries.
The minimum fee is $50 for the first hour and any other additional hours is $35. This does not include additional fees for copies and reproductions. Payment does not guarantee that we will have the requested information, only that we will provide access to materials from our collections. Before agreeing to a remote research appointment, staff will do a preliminary search and the researcher has the discretion whether or not to move forward with an appointment. The research coordinator will provide an estimate of the appointment duration.
After going through materials, a report is sent with details of materials and sources found. This also includes confirmations of names, years, and events. The fee is collected before materials are sent via email through an invoice that is paid by card only.
Remote research is subject to HSLB capacity.
CLICK HERE FOR THE RESEARCH REQUEST FORM
Custom Photo Orders
Photo research is available and conducted by the Program and Design Manager. The Historical Society of Long Beach has roughly 150,000 photos archived and available for purchase. We have 30+ years of experience selling photos, our most sought-after images are available HERE.
Printed images are available for pickup in our gallery at no charge, or delivery with a fee. Conditions governing the use of reproductions provided by the Historical Society of Long Beach will be specified in a written contractual Rights and Reproduction Agreement. Rights granted by HSLB are valid only upon HSLB’s receipt of the signed agreement and payment of the amount specified in the agreement. Any subsequent use or change in use constitutes reuse and must be applied for to the Historical Society of Long Beach, and appropriate fees paid. Photographic materials ordered for Personal or Research/Study purposes may not be reproduced in any media. Permission is limited to the applicant and is non-transferable. The HSLB retains copyright to its photographic material.
The Historical Society of Long Beach reserves the right to charge additional fees depending upon variables such as usage, production quantity, market, and consumer [commercial/non-profit vs personal]. For digital, custom sizes, and other uses.