VISITING THE HISTORY CENTER

Do I need to make an appointment?

Yes. For in-depth research or access to our archival collections, appointments are recommended in order to provide the researcher with enough time to access the collection. Access to archival materials can only be provided by the Archivist or Librarian. To make an appointment please contact localhistory@pwpl.org  or call (516) 883-4400, ext. 1409.

Is the History Center open during regular Library hours?

Access to the History Center is available by appointment Monday and Wednesday 1pm to 5pm and Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9am to 5pm.

What can I expect during my research visit?

Researchers will be asked to sign in upon arriving to their appointment. Only paper, pencils, and laptops without cases (i.e., items necessary for research) are permitted for use with archival and manuscript collections.

All jackets, bags, purses, and pens are not permitted in the History Center Research Room. Food and drinks are not permitted. All personal items are subject to examination by Library staff upon entering and leaving the Research Room.

Can I make copies of materials?

Yes. Photocopies of archival materials are made by the Archivist. We ask that no more than five photocopies be made for a particular collection during the appointment. Further duplication of materials will be at the discretion of History Center staff. The use of digital cameras or cellphones for photographing materials is prohibited.

What if I can’t visit the History Center in person?

The History Center is working to provide easier access to our collections online. Access to many of our collections can be found online on the New York Heritage digital portal.

Orders for photographs and other materials may be placed via one of our permission forms.  Fees are applicable depending on the items and/or service. Prepayment in full is required. Photographic services accepts payment by check drawn on a U.S. bank, or on a U.S. branch of a foreign bank; by U.S. postal or bank money order, or international money order drawn on a bank with a branch in the U.S.

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the reproduction of copyrighted material. Customers will be required to sign an indemnification statement in order for reproduction to take place. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.

Do I need permission to cite or quote History Center material?

The History Center welcomes personal, educational, and noncommercial use that qualifies as fair use to all unrestricted materials in the collection. The researcher must cite and give proper credit to the History Center. Please see examples for proper citations:

Image credits

All public use of the materials reproduced must credit “The History Center, Port Washington Public Library.” Each image used must be credited in this way, with the credit itself displayed just below the image.

Oral Histories

The suggested form of citation is:

Reminiscences of _____________ (year of the interview), Collection or Project Title (when applicable), pages _____, The History Center, Port Washington Public Library, Port Washington, New York.