Research & Reproduction

IN-PERSON AND REMOTE RESEARCH AT THE BH&PS

While the BH&PS remains closed to the general public, limited in-person research appointments are available on Thursday and Friday afternoons between the hours of 1 to 4 pm. Advance appointments are required and are contingent upon staff availability, the latest RI health guidance, and the availability of relevant resources within our collection.  

Further details about in-person research as well as remote research by the BH&PS Staff are available below. Research and reproduction fees may apply.

Please email info@bhps.necoxmail.com or call (401) 253-7223 for an appointment.

SECONDARY RESOURCES AND GENEALOGY

Members: Free

Non-Members: $10 per hour

ARCHIVAL, PHOTOGRAPH & OBJECT COLLECTIONS

Members: $5 per hour

Non-Members: $15 per hour

The BH&PS staff will conduct research on behalf of researchers who are unable to travel to Bristol in person. After an initial project review, the BH&PS staff will provide an estimate of the time and cost for the inquiry. The first half hour of staff research is free, after which various fees may apply. Research will be completed after payment has been received.  Please note that the BH&PS is not obliged to undertake inquiries that require excessive time or cost to the institution. All services are contingent on staff availability.

Staff Research Fees:

Members: $15 per hour

Non-Members: $25 per hour

All in-person researchers must complete a Research Registration Form and adhere to the following:

Patron Belongings

• The BH&PS reserves the right to decline use of its facilities to any person.
• Face masks must be worn at all times within the building.
• Patrons must leave all personal belongings in designated areas.
• Personal laptops are permitted, but cases must be stored with other personal belongs.
• Cameras and mobile phones are permitted but monitored. See the Personal Photography Policy and Agreement for requirements and conditions. 
• Scanners, camera stands, and lighting equipment are not permitted.
• No food or drink is permitted, including gum, candy, water, and cough drops.
• All personal items brought into the BH&PS are subject to staff inspection upon exit.

Handling Materials

• Patrons must wash hands before handling the collections.
• Maintaining the original order of the collection is essential to our ability to retrieve artifacts. Please examine one folder at a time and keep materials in order.
• All collections are non-circulating. All materials must be viewed at the BH&PS.
• Items must be handled with care, and pages turned slowly.
• Items must remain flat on the table while being viewed.
• Please refrain from applying pressure when viewing manuscripts and special collections; note taking on the surface of the materials and tracing are prohibited.
• Items must remain in their protective enclosures. Researchers wishing to view items outside of their enclosures must ask for staff assistance. Staff may request that you wear white cotton gloves to limit deterioration of original materials. Gloves will be provided.
• All items must be returned to staff. Please do not re-shelve materials.