Research Library

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Norma K. Grimes Research Library

The Gateway to Washington County's Past

Since its formation in 1781, Washington County has had a prominent role in the growth and development of our nation. From the earliest settlements of the western frontier to the Whiskey Rebellion, from westward migration on the National Road to the Oil & Gas boom of the 1890s, and the Abolitionist Movement to modern social reform, Washington County has been a place of precedent-setting history. The Washington County Historical Society stands ready to help you explore and discover this remarkable history.

The Norma K. Grimes Research Library is open to the public by appointment, Tuesday through Friday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission to the library is free to WCHS members (with photocopies at $0.25 per page) and $7.00 per day for non-members (with photocopies at $.050 per page). WCHS offers other research services as described below.

Let WCHS Research Services Discover Your Family History

Ready to learn more about your past?
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Our Research Services

Unlocking the Past: Research Services for Discovering Your Family History

WCHS Research Service

WCHS research service taps into all available Washington County resources, including registered deeds and wills, orphans’ court records back to 1781, newspaper collections, and Citizens Library resources.
Please complete the WCHS RESEARCH REQUEST form by clicking the button below to provide information on the specific person or ancestor to be researched.
  • Select the number of hours of research you wish to have performed.
  • This service charges $30 per hour, with a 20% discount for WCHS members
Research Service Request

WCHS Photo/Image Research and Reproduction

WCHS has an extensive collection of photographs and images. This collection includes images of towns, buildings & locations, families of Washington County, and events from the region's past.
If you would like a digital or photo print reproduction of a photo or image, WCHS offers reproductions of photos/images. Please complete the WCHS PHOTO/IMAGE form by clicking the button below to request a photo/image search.
  • Digital or photo print reproduction of a photo or image are $5 per hour with a 20% discount for WCHS members.
Image Research Request

WCHS Index and Vertical File Search

WCHS has an index of names for various records for taxes, marriages, births, deaths, etc., found in its archival holdings.
Please complete the INDEX AND VERTICAL FILE SEARCH form by clicking the button below to send us the surname you are researching.
  • WCHS will provide the entries found in the index for that name.
  • Index and Vertical File searches are $20 per hour with a 20% discount for WCHS members.
Research File Search

Research Consultations

Researchers may schedule a personal consultation to receive help with questions related to historical or genealogical research.
Please complete the personal consultation form by clicking the button below to schedule an appointment.
  • Consultations fee is $30 per hour, with a 20% discount for WCHS members.
  • Sessions can be conducted in person at the Norma K. Grimes Research Library or over the phone.
  • Sessions must be scheduled in advance.
Request Research

Additional Information

  • All research requests must be submitted using the online forms provided on this page.
  • Turn-around time for research is approximately 4 weeks, but is dependent on the current number of requests.
  • Requests are completed in the order in which they are received.
  • WCHS Members receive one complimentary hour of research per year. Additional hours are subject to standard member research fees.
  • We cannot accept research inquiries by phone.
Request Research Service

Unlocking your Past

* Please note that turn-around time for research is approximately 4 weeks, but is dependent on the current number of requests.