FAQs
+ Is the Natick Historical Society affiliated with the town?
The Natick Historical Society is an independent non-profit organization that operates separately from the town. The NHS does not receive town funding and is instead supported by individual donors and institutional grants. The resources and materials in the NHS museum and archive are separate from the town archive.
+ What is the difference between the Natick Historical Society and the Natick Historical Commission?
While the NHS is an independent organization, the Natick Historical Commission is an official town institution, tasked with the preservation and protection of the historical assets of the town. To learn more about the Natick Historical Commission, visit their page on the official town website.
+ Who should I talk to about getting a plaque for my historic house in Natick?
This process is run through the town's Natick Historical Commission, not the Natick Historical Society. The criteria for eligibility requires that the Natick Historical Commission (not the Natick Historical Society) verify that the house has been inventoried and the content name and dating verified. The list of nearly 500 properties can be accessed through MACRIS (Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System) here. If you believe your house qualifies, please contact the Commission Chair, Steve Evers, by email severs726@gmail.com to process your request.
+ When is the Museum open?
The Natick Historical Society is open Tuesdays 3-5pm, Thursdays 10am-1pm, the first and third Saturday of the month 1-4pm, and by appointment.
+ Where is the Natick History Museum located?
The museum is located at 58 Eliot Street, Natick, MA 01760. The museum is on the lower level of the Bacon Free Library building. Street parking is available on Eliot Street and Mill Lane.
+ Is the museum handicap accessible?
The museum is wheelchair accessible through the garden-level door. There is no handicap-accessible restroom and no handicap-accessible access to the library on the upper level. Accessibility can be limited during the winter. Please call ahead.
+ How do I contact you?
You can email or call 508-647-4841. Our mailing address is: Natick History Museum, 58 Eliot Street, Natick, MA 01760.
+ I am not a supporter of the Natick Historical Society. Can I use the Research Library and Archives?
Absolutely! You can also send in your inquiries through our online Research Request Form. Our research is conducted by our dedicated research staff and interns, therefore, the first hour of research is free, any additional hours after that are charged at $15/hr. See our complete list of Reproduction and Research fees here.
+ Do I need to arrange an appointment for my research visit?
Yes, we ask that you Contact Us to schedule an appointment and discuss your research interests so that we can best meet your needs and ensure that we have the materials you are interested in researching.
+ Can I search for your materials and see images of these resources online?
We are currently working on digitizing hundreds of photographs, maps, archival materials and artifacts to make them available online. If interested in viewing archival materials in person, please Contact Us to schedule an appointment. You can also visit the Natick History Museum to see a variety of artifacts from the Town of Natick.
+ How can I submit a reference and/or research inquiry to you?
To submit a research request, please fill out our request form on our site. You can also send your inquiry by email, phone, or postal mail. We process requests in the order in which we receive them and depending on volume and staffing, answers can take between two-three weeks. When submitting an inquiry, please describe your research interests as specifically as possible and share any additional information you have.
+ What is the geographic scope, date range, and subject coverage of your collections?
The geographic scope of the Research Library and Archives focuses on the town of Natick. The archival collections date from the late seventeenth century through the twentieth century. The artifact collections date from the Archaic Period to the present. We collect materials to support the mission of the Natick Historical Society. The scope of the collections is on items that further an interest in, knowledge of, and appreciation for the history of Natick from all time periods.
+ Can I do genealogical research at the Natick Historical Society?
Yes, but our resources are limited in this area. Please visit our Research Resources page to see our available resource materials.
+ How do I donate materials?
We ask that you Contact Us to discuss and assess all potential donations.
+ Are there guidelines for handling of materials?
Yes. We ask that all belongings be placed separately from the materials being used. All research visitors must fill out and sign our research guidelines before the use of the Research Library and Archives. You may only use pencils, rather than pens, in the Library and Archives. To protect fragile materials, only our trained staff is allowed to handle some original materials for you. Gloves are provided and must be worn when working with photographs. No food or drinks are allowed in the Research Library and Archives.
+ Can I use a computer or camera in the Research Library and Archives?
Computers are permitted in the Research Library and Archives. Cellphones and cameras are also allowed with approval upon visitor registration. All other copying devices are prohibited.
+ Can I obtain reproductions of photographs or other materials in the Research Library and Archives? Can I make copies of items in your collections?
Yes, however there is a fee related to certain reproductions. Please note that the condition of original materials, volume of requests, and copyright restrictions may all impact the ability to reproduce materials.
+ Do you provide access to online research databases?
No. However, most local libraries provide access to online databases with your library card.