Research Services
Time, Fees & Payment
Staff-assisted research is conducted in two-hour blocks.
$25 per hour ($50 two-hour minimum)
Each request is limited to an initial maximum of two hours
Research may conclude earlier if materials are exhausted, but the full fee still applies
At the end of the two-hour period, staff will provide a summary of findings and references
If additional research is desired beyond the initial two hours, staff will confirm scope and request approval before continuing
Payment is required in advance, by check or PayPal
The Museum offers staff-assisted research services to support public inquiry while ensuring responsible use of staff time.
Submitting a Request
All research requests must be submitted in writing to the Museum’s Curator at curator@waylandmuseum.org prior to the start of any staff work.
Please include:
- Names of people, families, businesses, or organizations involved
- Buildings, properties, or locations (addresses if known)
- Approximate dates or time periods
- The specific question(s) you are hoping to answer
- The type of information sought (e.g., genealogy, property history, photographs, etc.)
- Any background information or prior research already completed
- Intended use of the information (personal, academic, publication, legal, etc.)
- Any deadlines or time constraints
Clear and detailed requests help staff use research time efficiently and effectively.
Managing Expectations
While staff will make every reasonable effort to assist, the Museum cannot guarantee that relevant materials exist or that research will produce definitive answers. Research is conducted within the limits of the Museum’s collections, available resources, and staff time.
Do-It-Yourself Research
Visitors are welcome to conduct their own research at no cost by visiting the Museum’s archives or touring the Museum and engaging with available resources on-site. Staff can help point you in the right direction for independent research.
Image Use & Permissions
The image usage fee depends on the nature and purpose of the publication or display involved. Images obtained for personal use, rather than public use, do not usually require a permission fee.
Per-image use fee: $15 for Members, $30 for Non-Members
All rights granted are non-exclusive and one-time
All permissions are granted through contract only — [contact form / attached link]
Waivers and Courtesy Discounts
Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis. Contact info@waylandmuseum.org.