Library and Archives Resources
The Lincoln Museum will no longer accept image reproduction orders and offsite research requests after May 15, 2008. The Reading Room will remain open for onsite research through Friday, June 27.
Researchers include scholars, genealogists, publishers, the general public, and students.
Published materials include many rare titles that are difficult to find at more general institutions and libraries.
Collections include a variety of Lincoln and Lincoln-era images and artwork: photographs, art prints, paintings, and sculpture.
Staff can provide ready reference service for Lincoln facts.
Research in the Reading Room is by appointment only. Reading Room hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10:00-noon and 1:00-5:00. Click here to submit an Application for Research.
Fees are charged for photocopies. Copies must be made by museum staff. If time does not allow your order to be completed on the day of your visit, the copies will be mailed to you. There is a limit of 50 copies per research visit. The museum does not copy entire collections.
Laptop computers may be used in the Reading Room. Wall outlets are available.
Digital photography of documents or other items in the collections is not allowed. Any exceptions must be approved by the museum’s Collections Manager.
Questions may be directed to Jane Gastineau, Collections Manager at email, Jane.Gastineau@thelincolnmuseum.org or phone 260-455-3031.
Because we recognize that making a visit to The Lincoln Museum is not always possible, the Research Department also offers fee-based research service for off-site researchers. All requests are subject to visual resource and use fees (see below), if applicable. There is a charge for photocopies, up to the limit of 50 copies per request. The museum does not copy entire collections.
There is no charge for the first 30 minutes of research. After that, researchers will be charged for each additional 30 minutes, up to a total of 3 hours. Research fees for each 30 minutes are: Individual/Nonprofit, $20; Corporate/Commercial, $30; Rush requests, $50.
If more than 3 hours of research are necessary, you will be asked to finish the research on site.
Limited exemptions from research fees are provided for K-12 students and members of the Friends of The Lincoln Museum. All exemptions from research fees must be approved by the museum’s Collections Manager.
Research requests must be made in writing. Click here to submit an Application for Research. Allow at least two weeks for a response.
Questions may be directed to Cindy VanHorn, Registrar and Library Assistant at email, Cindy.VanHorn@thelincolnmuseum.org, or phone 260-455-5590.
Fees are charged for art and photograph reproductions and digital images. Use fees are charged for print publication, Web/electronic publication, video/film/broadcast production, exhibition, and projection use of images. Click here for reproduction and use fee schedules.
A selection of images from The Lincoln Museum’s photograph collections is available for viewing and ordering in the online Lincoln Photograph Gallery. Click here for the Lincoln Photograph Gallery. For all other image queries and requests, call 260-455-5590 or email Cindy.VanHorn@thelincolnmuseum.org. Requests must include name, address, email address (if available), and phone number. Allow at least two weeks for a response.
Please note: The Lincoln Museum does not provide monetary appraisals or authentication. For information about professional appraisal services, please call the American Society of Appraisers at 1-800-272-8258. They will refer you to an appraiser in your area.
