Research
The Ontario County Historical Society is a regional research center and depository for items related to Ontario County history and genealogical research.
If you are planning a research visit, please call or email us to set up an appointment so that we can better serve you.
Independent Research
OCHS is unable to accommodate walk-in research guests. Please contact us to reserve an appointment so our staff may prepare the appropriate materials in advance of your arrival. Research appointments are scheduled per staff availability and OCHS special programming.
Members of Ontario County Historical Society and of Ontario County Genealogy Society may conduct research without charge. Appointments are required.
Research Requests
Due to a backlog of research requests we are unable to accept research requests at this time. Published 1/6/26
Are you unable to come to the Ontario County Historical Society to conduct research? Perhaps you would prefer 1:1 research guidance? We can help! Simply submit a Research Request using the button or call us! Please contact us should you have any questions about the research process.
Requests For Photographs
In order to protect the integrity of our collections and archives, the Ontario County Historical Society does not share images from its photograph collection without pre-authorization and payment. For full details, please see our Request for Photographs Policy.
Surname File Search is unavailable.
Please contact us with inquiries. We appreciate your patience.
Research Room Essentials
- Our Research Room is available by appointment only; fee is $15/day for non-members.
- Staff members are available for general assistance.
- Wi-fi is available.
- Personal computers, tablets, and smartphones are welcome.
- The Research Room is equipped with a desktop computer for guest's use.
- Photocopies and printing cost $0.25 per page for members and non-members.
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You may take pictures of manuscripts, publications, and maps;
pictures of photographs in our collection is prohibited. - Pencil and paper may be used for taking notes. Please no pens or markers.
- No food or drinks, including water, is permitted in the Research Room.
- Guests are welcome to eat lunch in our meeting room or on our front porch. Downtown restaurants and businesses are a short walk from the museum.
- If you would like guided research assistance with a staff member, please complete the Research Request Form.