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Research at Beloit Historical Society

The Beloit Historical Society owns, curates, and provides access to collections and records related to the history of the City of Beloit and its surrounding area. The BHS endeavors to provide public access to these resources and has a detailed access policy to provide prospective research visitors with the information and guidelines needed to access BHS collections for personal or scholarly study, or for commercial use. The policy provides information about how to request access, access guidelines, copyright restrictions, and fees and services. Access to and use of collections and/or information may be restricted as a result of copyright, donor restrictions, or condition (some items may be too fragile to handle).

BHS members and members of the public are allowed access to collections and primary and secondary records. However, fees apply for non-members access to the Luebke Library and for duplication requests of photographs, documents, or records. Commercial use of photographs or documents require additional fees and contractual agreements. If a user is unable to visit BHS, historical research assistance is available for a fee. Our fee schedule is below.

Research requests can be made to the BHS in person, by email, or by mail. All research requests require the completion of a Research Request Form. The BHS uses the form to track research questions and answers, time spent handling research requests, and the number of individuals served. The form is available at the Lincoln Center and can be downloaded and mailed or emailed to the BHS Access Manager at info@beloithistoricalsociety.com.

Click here to read our Collections Management Policy.

Ways to submit a Research Request:
  1. Call us: (608) 365-7835
  2. Download form and mail it to BHS, Attn: Research, 845 Hackett, Beloit, WI 53511
  3. Manually email it to us as an attachment
Download Fillable PDF Form
Members enjoy reduced rates and free use of the Luebke Library.

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Research Fees may be paid online with PayPal using the link above.

Fee Schedule

Service
Member rate
Non-member rate
Access to library and reference collection
Free
$10 per visit
Student access to library and reference collection (student ID required)
Free
Free
B/W photocopy; 8 ½ x 11"1
$.50 (per page)
$1.00
Color photocopy; 8 ½ x 11"
$1.00 (per page)
$1.50
Photocopy scan; 8 ½ x 11" or smaller
$1.00 (per scan)
$1.50
Photograph scan2; 8 ½ x 11 or smaller; up to 300dpi for personal or scholarly non-profit use3
$3.00 (per scan)
$5.00
Previously scanned and readily available digital image
Free (up to 5 per order); $1.50/each (6+)
$3.00/each
Hourly rate for research services4
$20
$30 ($40 for for-profit organizations)
Commercial fee is per image, per medium, and per use5; fee does not include scanning services.
$50
$75
Shipping and handling; international requests will incur additional fees.
$7.00
$7.00

1Additional sizes may be available upon request. Contact BHS for pricing.
2BHS is not able to generate duplicate photograph prints in any size.
3Digital images are provided via an online file sharing service or copied onto a removable media format. Removable media must be provided by the researcher.
4Applies to any assistance provided by BHS that requires more than 30 minutes. Charges will be made in 15 minute increments.
5Commercial use requires an Image Use Contract. Contact BHS for more information.