Conducting Research

The collection at NHS reflects the Northfield and Dundas area, ranging from the mid-1850s to the present. Areas of concentration include business and organization files, corporate archives, and the research collection of noted James-Younger Gang historian, John Koblas. NHS also has genealogical records, family histories, and local photographs. 

If there is an item of interest to you, a topic you are researching, or a family member you are seeking information on, please contact the staff at NHS. You may be invited to make an appointment to do your own research or a staff member may be able to assist you and correspond via email to answer your questions or provide information. 

Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that a staff member will be available to assist you if you stop by the museum without making an appointment. Please contact us prior to your visit.

 

Hours:
By appointment only – appointments must be made 24 hours in advance.

To make an appointment, email or call us at 507-645-9268.

Resources:
Click here to see what materials NHS has in its collection.

To view the Malt-O-Meal Collection Finding Aid, click here.

To view the Sheldahl, Inc. Collection Finding Aid, click here.

Fees:

For NHS Personal and Business Members  – FREE

– Please mention your membership when making your request. 

For Non-Members

Self-Conducted, On-Site Research – Free

– Please be sure to make an appointment.

Staff-Conducted Research for Personal Use – $20 per hour

       Digital Scans – Up to 10 free

                                     Over 10 – $5 

Staff-Conducted Research for Business/Commercial Use – $20 per hour 

–  The Request for Photo Usage form must be completed and signed.

        Digital Scans for Business/Commercial Use – $10/ photo

        For print or digital publication – $20/ image
        For  TV – $50/ image
        For film – $100/ image

Updated 1/19/2022

 

Research Requests

7 + 10 =

FAQ

How can I access the archives?

Please contact NHS to make an appointment to conduct research.

Phone: 507-645-9268

Or use the contact form on this page.

Why do I need an appointment?

NHS does not have a staff member dedicated to research requests nor does NHS have a research center. Researchers are asked to make appointments so that the staff can plan to be available for assistance. Many times the staff can work with a patron via email and provide resources without a visit ever being needed.

Who can use the archives?

Anyone with an appointment, member or non-member.

How do I make the most of my visit?

Please briefly describe your project or research question to the staff prior to your visit. The more specific you can be and the more details you can convey, the better able the staff will be to locate sources that meet your needs. Staff aims to have materials ready for your immediate use when you arrive on site.

What can I bring with me to do my research?

You may bring in a laptop or iPad. Materials may be photographed using a cell phone, iPad, or camera but no additional lighting may be used in the research room. All food and drink must be left outside the room and pencils are to be used when taking notes.

Can I check out materials?

NHS does not lend out materials. Researchers are encouraged to take notes or make copies of relevant resources, scheduling multiple appointments if it is not possible to get through all the materials in one appointment.

How can I search the archives?

NHS does not have an online catalog for researchers to use. Researchers must work with staff to describe their project or question and the staff will locate the resources NHS has that can be used.