Welcome!

The Reading Room is open Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and the second Saturday of each month, for reference materials. Manuscripts, Graphics, and other select collections are available by appointment only. Please contact our staff at reference@rihs.org for more information or to schedule an appointment. For information about our new research fellowship click here.

Admission Fees

Admission fees are currently waived. However, if you wish to support the important work of our staff you may make a gift to our Annual Fund or become a member of the RIHS.

House Rules

Upon arrival, visitors must sign-in on the iPad located near the reference desk. Folders, envelopes, or other material brought into the reading room will be inspected before departure.

All other personal items should be placed in secure lockers available in the lobby.

Only pencils may be used in the Reading Room.

Researchers may take photographs of collection materials for personal use only. However, no flash photography or handheld scanners are permitted.

Because of the irreplaceable nature of many of our materials, we ask that patrons using the collections do so with the utmost care. Read more about the handling and care of special collections here. RRC staff adhere to the current ACRL/RBMS Guidelines Regarding Security and Theft in Special Collections. RRC staff will monitor the use of all materials in the Reading Room and will assist visitors in using the collections as necessary. Read more about security standards here.

To request reproductions for publications, see our Rights & Reproductions page. Patrons are responsible for observing all copyright laws.

Please contact the Reference staff for more information.