Research By Mail
We're looking forward to working on your research request. It will be placed in the research queue which will resume after we reopen this summer.
If you are unable to visit HSP's library, or you are seeking some expert help with your research, HSP's Research by Mail service can help!
For a pre-paid fee, a skilled staff researcher at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania will work on your research topic and search through our extensive archives. HSP not only holds records for Pennsylvania, as well as for most of the colonies and states east of the Mississippi River. Frequently used sources include probate records, newspapers, church records, deeds, genealogical research files, and manuscript collections. While we cannot guarantee results, we will make every effort to assist you by documenting all sources consulted during our research. Upon request, staff will also transcribe documents that might be difficult to read.
Basic research fees are $60 per hour, or $40 per hour for Friends of HSP. (Friends receive more than 30 percent off! Become a Friend of HSP today.) There is a minimum of two hours for your initial request. The research fee includes the cost of up to 20 photocopied pages or digital photographs of supporting documents.
If you have additional questions about HSP’s Research by Mail service, please contact our research team at researchbymail@hsp.org or 215-732-6200 ext. 222
Rush Service
Research requests take approximately 6-8 weeks to process. If you would like us to complete your request within 2 weeks, add rush service to your order for an additional $20 per hour.
Premium Service
With premium service, staff will research in HSP’s archives, as well as other nearby repositories in Philadelphia. If a staff researcher believes that you could benefit from premium service, he or she will discuss this option with you. Premium service costs an additional $15 per hour. Photocopy charges made at repositories outside HSP are an additional charge.
Customized Services
HSP offers customized services, including professionally designed family history books and in-depth genealogical research. Click here to learn more.
Other Library Services
HSP offers additional library services, including research strategy interviews and interlibrary loans.
Have a research question that can be answered in less than 10 minutes? Please contact readyreference@hsp.org or 215-732-6200 ext. 209.
Need high quality digital copies of documents or images? Click here or contact our Rights and Reproductions team at rnr@hsp.org or 215-732-6200 ext. 333.