Research

GCHA has a large archive of historic photos, documents, and artifacts at the Pioneer Village location. Patrons are permitted to use library materials and the Reading Room computer on their own during business hours. Use of the Reading Room is free.

GCHA currently offers 3 different types of research:

1. Use of the card catalogue and Research Library collection: this type of research is free but requires an appointment while the Research Library is currently being weeded. The card catalogue can be used to determine if GCHA holds materials that are of use for your research. We do not currently have an online catalogue. 
2. Viewing collections: this type of research is only for viewing collections materials in the Reading Room at Pioneer Village or virtually. This type of research is by appointment only and cost $25.00 per half hour with a $25.00 deposit before the appointment. This deposit counts towards your total appointment cost. Before setting up an appointment, you must know the object ID for the materials you wish to view; you can obtain that information by looking through the card catalogue in the Research Library or by requesting research assistance (see option 3). 
3. Research assistance: this type of research is for patrons who are unable to search through the card catalogue on their own (e.g. non-locals, schedule conflict), unable to find what they are looking for in the card catalogue, or need assistance with research for other reasons. Research assistance costs $25.00 per half hour with a $50.00 deposit and is non-refundable regardless of the results of the research. Results will not be provided until the total research cost has been paid. 

All in-person appointments require completion of our Reading Room Registration form. Each patron is required to read through the Reading Room policies, fill out their contact information, sign to agree to the policies, and bring a valid photo ID (any type). The form can be found below and submitted electronically, if preferred, by emailing it to the Collections Manager prior to your appointment. This form must be completed once per year to ensure we have the most up-to-date contact information. While theft is rare, this policy exists to help keep our collections safe so they can be enjoyed by future visitors and patrons. If you have concerns, please see the following section about accommodations and reach out with questions.

Important Information

Research assistance with the Collections Manager is available by appointment only during normal operating hours, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Wednesdays through Sundays. Scheduling will be based on the Collections Manager’s availability and the extent of the collections being pulled for your appointment. Please request your appointment in advance to ensure obtaining your preferred day and time. Appointments must be made, verified, & deposit made with staff ahead of time. Staff will absolutely NOT accept ‘walk-ins’ for assisted research.

Please note that some collections materials may be unavailable for viewing due to technological obsolescence, condition, or other restrictions: the Collections Manager will inform you of any potential issues with your request.

Some collections materials have reproduction restrictions: the Collections Manager will inform you of any potential issues with your request.

Reproductions are $25.00 per high quality scan and $0.25 per image taken on a personal device.

Special accommodations will be considered at the discretion of the Board, Executive Director, and/or the Collections Manager, including, but not limited to, American Sign Language interpretation, hours outside normal operating hours, and exchanging volunteer hours for research costs. If you would like to discuss the possibility of receiving accommodations for your research, please reach out to discuss your needs. We do not like to turn people away, but as a small institution, we need to charge fees to cover the cost of staff time that would otherwise be spent on improving collections organisation so that we can update exhibits, move our catalogue online, and make research more accessible.

If you fail to follow through with your research appoint your deposit shall be forfeited to GCHA.

Research deposits MUST be paid in advance either at the museum or online at: Research Deposit

To schedule an appointment please contact the Colelctions Manager at laura@grandcountyhistory.org

Prepare for Your Visit

While in the Reading Room, patrons are required to follow all rules and guidelines. These regulations are in place to preserve our collections for future researchers. Failure to follow these rules, all posted signs, or staff instructions could result in termination of the research appointment or expulsion from the premises.

1. Completion of an annual registration form and a photo ID is required to use the Reading Room, this form will be completed upon arrival to the museum.
2. Coats and bags must be kept in the lobby. If you are uncomfortable leaving your belongings in the lobby, they can be placed in the staff office.
3. Personal notetaking and recording devices are permitted, including electronic devices.
4. Only PENCILS are permitted for analog notetaking.
5. Physical and digital copying services are available for a fee. Personal camera or phone camera images of collections materials are $0.15 per image.
6. Food and beverages, including water and gum, are NOT permitted. Medications and cough drops are allowed.
7. GCHA retains copyright to all collection materials. Any unauthorized reproduction is strictly forbidden and may result in prosecution.
8. Some records include confidential material. If you come across personally identifiable information during your visit, please alert a staff member and refrain from sharing it publicly.
9. Researchers are expected to arrive promptly at the agreed upon time for appointments. If you are unable to attend an agreed upon appointment, please contact staff as soon as possible.
10. Except in exceptional circumstances, researchers are not allowed unattended in collections storage or the Reading Room.
11. Staff will instruct researchers on the proper handling of any materials. Researchers are not allowed to touch or handle any materials without explicit permission from staff.
12. Please be respectful of other visitors and researchers by silencing electronic devices and taking calls on the porch.