MHS Features
Making the Past Last
Founded in 1791, the Massachusetts Historical Society is an invaluable resource for American history, life, and culture. Its extraordinary collections tell the story of America through millions of rare and unique documents, artifacts, and irreplaceable national treasures. etc.
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Live Chat
Communicate with the MHS library staff through a live chat session. To initiate, click on the "Ask a librarian" link, submit your question in the chat box, and the first available librarian will respond. The service is available Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (excluding holidays).
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Accessible To All
The extraordinary collection of the MHS provides an unparalleled record of American history and is enjoyed by scholars and the public alike. There are millions of rare and unique documents, artifacts, and irreplaceable national treasures. Along with many famous documents such as Paul Revere's own account of his famous ride, the collection contains accounts of the lives of thousands of ordinary Americans.
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Support the MHS to promote the study of American history and deepen our understanding of the diverse stories that define our nation's past. Help make the MHS a place where history happens.
National History Day
National History Day (NHD) in Massachusetts is a year-long interdisciplinary program focused on historical research, interpretation, and creative expression for students in grades 6-12.
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Source sets highlighting the diverse voices of the ordinary and extraordinary people who changed Massachusetts and the nation.
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Showcasing MHS collections and resources documenting individuals and communities who have traditionally been unrepresented in the historical record.
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Presidential Papers
The MHS holds the largest collection of Thomas Jefferson’s private papers including more than 400 architectural drawings as well as many other valuable presidential papers and artifacts from throughout United States history. This includes hundreds of letters written by every U.S. president through George H.W. Bush.
Explore our presidential papers
Illuminating the Adams Family Story
The Adams Family Papers are the most comprehensive and historically complete family collection held by an American cultural institution, public or private. In addition to illuminating the family story, the documents offer valuable insights to the political, social, and cultural fabric of American society.
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A world where historical understanding is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy.
We promote understanding of the history of Massachusetts and the nation by collecting and communicating materials and resources that foster historical knowledge.
John Quincy Adams Diary Now Fully Online
This digital edition includes more than 15,000 manuscript pages chronicling the extraordinary range of experiences in the public and private life of American statesman John Quincy Adams. Explore the diary.
