Research at the Museum
The Museum serves as Kennebunk’s history research center, holding 35,000 pieces of archival material. Extensive primary source materials range from diaries and family papers to commercial records, maps and architectural drawings.
There are many ways to explore the Museum’s Archives and conduct research on a variety of topics. One of the Museum’s main priorities is digitizing archival materials so that they are readily available and accessible to researchers. Many of our archival resources are already digitized and can be sent to researchers digitally; other collections are still majority offline.
When requesting information or planning a research visit:
Please begin by emailing the Museum’s Archives Manager at info@brickstoremuseum.org (or call 207-985-4802). Research questions or requests for access should include a brief summary of your question or request. All research visits must be scheduled in advance. Staff will make every effort to send requested information digitally when possible.
Research Resources
Research Guidelines
Whether you are planning a visit to the Archives, or requesting information from far away, we look forward to helping you discover your history!
Visiting the Archives:
- Before visiting, please contact us at info@brickstoremuseum.org with your question(s) and research focus. This will give us a good idea of what you are looking for, and how much we can help.
- Please make an appointment to visit the Archives. For the safety of archival materials and coordination of personnel, the Archives require an appointment. Without an appointment, we cannot guarantee immediate assistance.
- Research in the Archives is free for 30 minutes of preliminary staff time (for non-Members). After 30 minutes, please consider donating or becoming a Museum Member, to properly acknowledge staff time and resources dedicated to your project. If you are not sure how much time you’ll need, please discuss this with the Collections Manager when scheduling your appointment.
- Allowed:
- Digital scanning: bring a zip drive or provide an email address to receive your images.
- Photography: bring your own camera (or smartphone)
- Not allowed:
- Pens or markers of any kind (always bring a pencil with you).
- Researchers are not permitted to remove any original document from the Archives at any time.
- Research without an appointment.
Long-Distance Research
Can’t make it to Kennebunk? With archival digitization equipment, we have the ability to send most materials (especially photography requests) via email. Museum staff and volunteers will research your question(s) and respond in a timely manner.
Research time: 30 minutes of exploratory research and correspondence is complimentary. If our initial research show extensive results, we will let you know a cost estimate to cover staff time and resources.
Suggested donation for additional research: $10.00/hour (Members receive free research as a benefit)
Fees for Use:
- Archives visit (with appointment): Free, with donations gratefully accepted
- Photocopies (personal use): 15 cents/page
- 300 DPI scans (personal use): First 5 scans are complimentary. Additional images are $1/image (please bring your own zip drive or provide an email)
Reproduction & Image Use Policies
Please read the Museum’s Archives & Image Use Policy before requesting images, research, and information. These precious resources are in our care, and we take that seriously.
Engage with the Archives!
Learn more about the Museum’s History by Mail program:
Receive a missive from local history each month, directly to your mailbox! The staff at the Brick Store Museum will select a piece of archival material relating to the history of the Kennebunk region.
In the mail, you’ll receive a packet each month including a reproduction of the original letter, a transcription of its contents, and a “Context page” with a short history about the time period and subject of the piece.
Contact Us
Get started on your research journey, ask a question, or be in touch with collections-related questions by emailing us at info@brickstoremuseum.org or by calling (207)985-4802. You can find out more about our Museum team who will be assisting you on our Staff & Trustees page.
You may also be interested in…
Digital Learning Center
The Digital Learning Center is the Museum’s central hub of online resources and tools; including archival features and online exhibits. (Learn more…)
Collections
Explore the Collections at the Brick Store Museum. Start your journey here.
Oral History Archive
The Museum continues to develop its oral history archive, and makes selections available to the public. Start listening here.
Exhibitions
Education
