Access and Research Requests

Research requests

The best way to ask a question about Castine history or our collections is by emailing the Collections Manager at collections@castinehistoricalsociety.org.

When you email:

• Be specific in your requests
• Give us time; we are glad to do a limited amount of research for you but it may be two weeks before we can get back to you
• Consider becoming a member or donating to support this service

Please note that we have a searchable database of catalog records with details about the collection, especially our archival records and photographs.

In-person visits

We encourage access to our collections for any reason, even mere curiosity! However please bear in mind that our reading room is open by appointment only. This allows us time to retrieve your items and to avoid scheduling conflicts.

• An appointment can be made by emailing the Collections Manager at collections@castinehistoricalsociety.org.
• A signed Researcher Registration form must be completed upon arrival.
• Be prepared for do-it-yourself research perusing files, books and albums.
• Photography (without flash) is allowed.

Copying and image licensing

• Photography for personal or educational use is allowed.
• Photocopies and scans will be provided at the discretion of the staff (Fees apply).
• To license one of our images, see our Image Licensing Form.

Other local sources

• Witherle Memorial Library maintains a collection of Castine related books and holds microfilm copies of local newspapers and town records.
• The Wilson Museum’s local history collections dovetail with CHS collections; they also have a cemetery database project.