Research Library

Conduct Your Own Research

The Historic Beverly Research Library and Archives is located in the Cabot House and includes books, records, photographs, and newspapers relating to Beverly and Essex County, as well as a large collection of maritime documents and genealogical records.

We offer you the opportunity to search our records whether to explore Beverly’s Old Planters and early houses in Essex County, consult our maps, directories and photos, or access our genealogical resources; you can do your own research by visiting the Historic Beverly Library and Archives during open research hours.

*The Cabot House is located at 117 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA 01915


Research Hours

The Historic Beverly Research Library and Archives welcomes  researchers by appointment.

Contact us at 978-922-1186 ext. 202 or by email.

Historic Plaque Application


Research Requests

Requests for research are submitted through our online form and processed in the order they are received. Please be as detailed as possible to allow us to better understand the scope of your request. You will receive an acknowledgement within 2 business days; all results are delivered electronically unless otherwise arranged. Most requests can be completed within 2 weeks.

Online research requests are charged for a minimum of 1 hour at the rate of:

Non-members:
$25

Members:
$20

Note: All requests sent to Historic Beverly staff via email will be referred to our online form.  If the website is unavailable or you are unable to access the link, please contact us at Historic Beverly by calling 978-922-1186 ext. 202

Research Request Form

Research Fees

Access to the library collection includes books, topical files, street directories and newspapers for up to 2 hours of research: $10 non-member/Free members, teachers and students.*

Access to the archive collection includes, but is not limited to, primary source materials such as photographs, maps, documents, correspondence, diaries, ledgers, postcards, and maritime documents.

The archive is in the closed stacks and can be accessed for a minimum of 1 hour: $25 for the first hour, then $15 non-member/$10 members each additional hour. Please discuss your research needs with Historic Beverly staff for an estimate of cost.

Photocopies are available at $.50/page. Due to the delicate condition of some manuscripts, the staff reserves the right to not photocopy some material.

*Teachers and students must present relevant identification at the time of entry

Reproduction & Permissions for Public Use of Image

The Historic Beverly Research Library and Archives provides reproduction and permissions services for both visiting and long-distance researchers. All fees must be paid in advance of service when invoiced. A complete schedule for reproduction and permissions fees is available below.

Reproduction and Permission Fees