High Resolution Images

Due to the current public health situation the Massachusetts Historical Society remains closed to the public until further notice. Our staff is currently working with access to the collections and is able to process high resolution (publication quality) TIFF images and photo prints. The Society provides publication quality, high-resolution digital images of material in our collections. In most cases when reproducing manuscript items the MHS produces full-color 300-600dpi uncompressed RGB TIFF files. More detailed information about image outputs can be found here.

Please note that, depending upon the image(s) requested, the turnaround time on high-resolution digital images and photo prints may be up to six weeks. Rush services are not being offered at this time. 

Citation/quotation permission requests and licensing-only requests for images will continue to be processed as normal at this time.

If you would like to consult with the reproductions coordinator regarding any of these services please call 617-646-0532 and leave a voicemail or send an e-mail to reproductions@masshist.org.

Reproduction Fees

$45.00/image for items with an existing digital master 
$60.00/image for items imaged from the original

Items that cannot be imaged using standard equipment are priced on a case by case basis. 

Submitting Requests

Requests should be submitted through Portal1791 using the Reproduction/Use Permission request form. Use ABIGAIL, the collection guides, or online resources to locate the item or items for which you wish to purchase images and submit a separate request for each item. In some cases, there may only be a collection-level record for the material, in which case you must initiate a request for the collection and then indicate in the Reproduction/Use Permission request form what specific item you wish to license.

The reference librarian reviews all requests. You can expect an initial response within ten business days to provide a cost estimate and request any additional information that may be needed to clarify your order. Once the order details are confirmed by you the order is submitted for fulfillment.

Fulfillment of standard orders can take up to six weeks from the date of order confirmation.  If you are concerned about meeting a submission deadline, please indicate a “must have by” date so that we can determine if we can accommodate your needs (see “Rush Service” below).

When the images are ready for delivery, you will receive a notification including payment status. Payment must be made before the images are made available for pick-up through your Portal1791 account. Once payment has been received, images will be delivered within two business days of order completion. If rush delivery was arranged, delivery will be made as negotiated.

Files will expire after 30 days, after which time a new request must be made and additional charges may apply. TIFF images are packaged in a zip file with the associated license (PDF), MHS licensing terms (PDF), and descriptive metadata (.doc) files. Download the zip file and follow your system instructions to unzip the file and view/save contents locally.

Rush Service

Rush services have been suspended at this time. 

The MHS evaluates requests for rush service on a case-by-case basis. If approved, expedited requests filled within five business days of order confirmation will incur a 150% surcharge in addition to the standard reproduction fees.

Alternative Vendors for MHS Image Materials

Some of the most frequently requested items from the MHS collections are available for purchase and licensing through the Bridgeman Art Library. For a list of images available through Bridgeman, click here.

Images of over 50 maps owned by the MHS are available for purchase through Historic Map Works, a company that maintains a digital map database of North America and the world. For a list of MHS images available for purchase, as prints, through Historic Map Works click here.