Women's History Month 2021: Museum Libraries

 

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The library. I love libraries so much. My first job was at a library. I can’t wait to research at a library soon.

 

There are all types of libraries, but sometimes as researchers, we focus only on the local public or genealogy library. But what about a museum library?

 

Do museums have libraries? Yes!

Libraries are just another way that the museum carries out its educational mission. There’s the stuff you see in the exhibits, and then there are the behind-the-scenes collections in their library and archives.

Now obviously, not all museums have libraries or libraries that are open to the public. So you need to take a look at the website and call or email to ask questions. What are in a museum library collection? Like any library, they have books and periodicals, and other items that focus on their collections' topics. For example, an art museum has a library that will focus on materials having to do with researching art, artists, etc.

With any trip to the library, you’ll need to first learn all you can from the website. In some cases, they may even have an online library card catalog. Once you create your plan, you need to contact the museum. They may have restrictions on who can research and the hours of research. You may need to make an appointment in advance. So don’t assume, email or call.

Also, you may want to talk about your research project/goals for the museum library. They may be able to suggest resources to you. In some cases, items may not be stored on-site. Talking with them beforehand might help avoid disappointment if that must-have book takes three days to retrieve.

Besides the books and periodicals, there may be other items you want to take a look at on your museum library research trip. Don’t forget to ask about subscription websites or other online resources the museum subscribes to and makes available to researchers.

Let’s take a look at a few examples of museum libraries.

The British Museum Library & Archive 

From the British Museum website, you can learn more about their collections and view their library catalog. 

This library is open to the public, but you must first make an appointment. Notice that they request at least a two-week notice. This might be even longer due to COVID, so make sure to plan.

The Peabody Essex Museum

The Phillips Library at The Peabody is one of the libraries I hope to research in 2021 or 2022. Located in Salem, Massachusetts, it "includes several hundred thousand printed volumes, a linear mile of manuscript collections, as well as thousands of logbooks, account books, diaries, printed ephemera, maps, photo albums, and photographs.” What can you expect to find in all those sources?  “Salem Witch Trial documents, the Frederick Townsend Ward collection of Chinese materials, an extensive collection of materials on Chinese architecture, the Nathaniel Hawthorne archive, documentation of the Museum’s collection of 17th-19th century architecture, a collection of 18th and 19th-century ships logbooks and early maps…” 

You must make a reservation. They are limiting the number of researchers allowed at one time. Keep in mind that many libraries will have restrictions on the number of visitors.

 

Buffalo Bill Center of the West 

The McCracken Library at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming has a  “collection of rare books, historic photographs, and original manuscripts relating to the West.” Read over their 10 Things You Should Know About the McCracken Research Library as you plan your research.

 

California State Railroad Museum 

Museums might exist for your ancestor’s occupation. Having had four generations of men in my family who worked for the railroad, three of whom worked for the railroad in California, this museum is one I’ve visited before. (Don't forget that women have worked for the railroad as well, especially during World War II and after). Their Library and Archives are currently closed, but you can view their online catalog to see what it includes. They also have a list of genealogical relevant sources. Like other library and archive catalogs, their catalog can be searched in multiple places, including the Online Archive of California .

So I hope by now you’re starting to see museums as an essential genealogy research repository and not just a place you visit for an hour. Museums hold such valuable information about our female ancestors. Tomorrow, let’s take a look at the other type of collection a museum has, archives. See you tomorrow!