Archival Center

Overview

The Archival Center's collection focuses on genealogy and local history, primarily that of Essex County with additional material covering New England. It includes published monographs on Newburyport history and individual family genealogies as well as local primary source material. We receive regular donations of both personal papers and company records for which finding aids are written to help researchers locate what they need.

Cataloging records are created so that researchers are able to locate areas of interest via subject, author, or title. The Library has a microfilm collection that includes most of The Newburyport Daily News from 1773 to the present, as well as Essex County probate records and other materials. Online resources include Ancestry, Heritage Quest, and American Ancestors.

One of the collection's more idiosyncratic sections consists of hundreds of pamphlet files each containing unique material related to the history of Newburyport. We have both an extensive historic photograph collection and a more recent photo collection focusing on the years 1964–2000. Online resources include Ancestry, Heritage Quest, American Ancestors, America’s Historical Newspapers and Newburyport Historical Newspapers.

The NPL Archival Center archivists and volunteers are hard at work organizing and preserving local history materials. Check out some behind the scenes History Happenings on our blog!

Computers, copier, scanner, microfilm reader, research assistance, group visits, & Archival Center tours are available.

Hours, Contact Information

The Archival Center is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00am until Noon and 1:00pm until 4:00pm. The Archival Center professional library staff and dedicated volunteers are available to assist you. Contact the Archival Center at 978-465-4428 x231 or x229.

Historic Photographs

View a sample of our historic photograph collection HERE.

Online Resources