Frequently Asked Questions

Founded in 1791, the MHS is the nation’s first historical society and one of the greatest repositories of American history, life, and culture. We provide access to historical resources that can help people understand their past as they imagine their future.

• What is your organization’s mission?
  • To promote understanding of the history of Massachusetts and the nation by collecting and communicating materials and resources that foster historical knowledge.
• Who runs the organization?
  • The MHS President, employed by the Board of Trustees, administers the policies of the Society as established by the Trustees and supervises the operations and fiscal management of the Society.
• Is your organization a 501(c)(3)?
  • The Massachusetts Historical Society is a 501(C)(3) Nonprofit registered in the US under EIN: 04-2103597. The MHS Tax ID is 042108374.

Telephone: 617-536-1608
Staff directory: www.masshist.org/about/staff
Contact: www.masshist.org/contact
Membership: [email protected]
Library: [email protected]
Collections: [email protected]
Permissions: [email protected]
Adams Papers: [email protected]
Programs: [email protected]
Research: [email protected]
Education: [email protected]
Publications: [email protected]
Development: [email protected]

Address:
1154 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02215 (view map /link to directions)

The MHS is housed in a National Historic Landmark building on the Fenway in Boston. It was designed by Edmund March Wheelwright and opened in 1899. The original building was expanded in 1948, and then again in 1970. Building systems and offices were renovated in 2004.

Yes, the building is accessible.

View our calendar of events for upcoming tours of the Society's historic building.

• Can I bring a group?
  Yes, but parties of 8 or more should contact the MHS prior to attending a tour. 
• Can I bring a student group/school class?
  We can organize workshops and visits for student groups drawing on resources related to themes within our collection.

To schedule a visit for K-12 student groups, please e-mail [email protected].

To schedule a university/college class visit, please e-mail  [email protected].

Hours: The library is open Monday through Friday, from 10:00 AM to 4:45 PM; the exhibition galleries are currently closed.

Admission: Free and open to the public. All ages are welcome in the galleries; library readers must be 16 years of age or accompanied by an adult.

On 24 January 1791, the Reverend Jeremy Belknap invited nine like-minded Bostonians to join him in creating what they would call simply, "The Historical Society," now the Massachusetts Historical Society, the oldest organization in the United States devoted to collecting materials for the study of American history.

Become a Member! Learn more at www.masshist.org/support/mhsfund.

Are you interested in working at the MHS? Visit www.masshist.org/job-announcements to learn about open positions.

Internship inquiries can be sent to [email protected].

Our work to collect, preserve, and serve the community is only possible with the ongoing generosity from members of our community. We remain committed to being a forum for learning about the past—both the big pictures and the little moments—so we can appreciate the scope of human experiences and make informed decisions about our future.

In the complex world we live in today, it is imperative that the MHS take an active role in defining what it means to interact with history. Programs, educational workshops, and exhibitions are just a few of the ways that the MHS engages with the public, promotes the relevance of history, and helps to improve the understanding of the role of civics in public life.

Your gift will directly impact our efforts to share the stories, people, and experiences of the past that enable people to think critically and make informed decisions today.

For financial donations, please visit www.masshist.org/support-the-mhs or e-mail [email protected].

• How do I make a matching gift?
  Learn how to maximize your impact at www.masshist.org/support-the-mhs/other-ways-to-give/matching-gifts.
• How do I make a planned gift?
  Join the Visionary Circle! Learn more about the Society’s planned giving program at www.masshist.org/support-the-mhs/other-ways-to-give/visionary-circle-mhs-planned-giving-program.
• Who do I contact if I have a question or issue with my donation?
  Please e-mail [email protected].
• How can I donate an item to the collection?
  Please contact the MHS before sending material to be sure that it fits the Society's collecting policy. If you would like to discuss a possible donation of materials, please contact the Vice President for Collections at [email protected].  Please contact the Curator of Art at [email protected] or 617-646-0508 about donating art or artifacts.

The MHS Tax ID is 042108374.

Gifts to the MHS Fund allow us to continue fulfilling our mission to promote understanding of the history of Massachusetts and the nation by collecting and communicating materials and resources that foster historical knowledge. Contributions also support special projects, including exhibitions and publications.

Please visit www.masshist.org/annual-reports for MHS Annual Reports, financial statements, Massachusetts form PC, and Federal Form 990.

Learn more about MHS publications at www.masshist.org/publications.

Adams Papers Volumes are available for purchase from:
Harvard University Press
79 Garden Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
800-405–1619
www.hup.harvard.edu

The MHS Library is free and open to the public. Please note that anyone wishing to access the library must complete our registration process. Learn more about using our library.

View our calendar of events at www.masshist.org/events. If you missed a program, would like to revisit the material presented, or are interested in viewing past programs, visit www.masshist.org/digital-mhs/videos.

Learn more at www.masshist.org/support/mhsfund.

Please visit www.masshist.org/job-announcements to learn about open positions.

Please send internship inquiries to [email protected].

• Who do I contact for media questions?
  Please contact the Vice President for Communications and Marketing at [email protected].
• How do I interview someone from the MHS?
  Please contact the Vice President for Communications and Marketing at [email protected].
• Fact Checking: Upon request, MHS staff members are available to the press to serve as experts on various topics, including Massachusetts history, the Adams family, research libraries, and archives. Information on other topics may also be provided. Please e-mail questions to [email protected].
• Permissions and Licensing: Requests from anyone wishing to publish materials—either manuscript quotations or photographic reproductions—from the collections as well as questions about ordering images of MHS materials should be addressed to the Reference Librarian at [email protected]. For more information, see the Permissions and Licensing page.

Note: Members of the press are subject to an expedited permissions process. If you have a tight deadline or would like more information, please contact Carol Knauff at [email protected].