Our mission is to act as a regional research center and depository for items related to local history and genealogical research. If you plan to visit the Historical Society to do research our research staff can better serve you if you call or e-mail to set up an appointment.

Policies and Costs

OCHS members and members of the Ontario County Genealogy Society can do their own research in the museum’s library without charge. Non-members will be charged $10 per day for the use of the research facility. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, research is now by appointment only, until further notice. If you plan to visit the Historical Society to do research, please call or email our research staff first to set up an appointment. OCHS reserves the right to restrict the number in the research Library at any time. 

If you are interested in further research, the following will apply:

• Lookups for births, deaths and marriages can be requested. The fee is $10 for each lookup. For more than 3 lookups you should request the regular $30.00 hourly research.
• Research by volunteers is available for more extensive research at a cost of $30 per hour, or ½ the fee for the authorized amount of time. This fee covers processing, research, and postage. Copies are an additional 50-cents per page.
• When requesting extensive research, please provide as much information as possible, including names, dates, places, relationships.

 

Online Research Authorization Form Download PDF Form to Print

 

Wi-Fi and Computers

The Research Room has a public access desk-top computer for your use. Your personal computer, Tablet and Smart phone are welcome. We have Wi-Fi available which is included in the per diem research charge. Copies cost $.50 per page and we have instituted a $.25 per item fee if you want to use your personal scanner.