I found my way to the 3rd floor library, went in, and not a person was to be seen. I couldn't wait to check out the "historical information for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and its cities and towns." Before I had a conversation with the seasoned librarian, I took these photos.
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| WIFE Husband has no right to beat |
The stacked books are on four floors, located behind the librarian (see first photo). According to her, there is a Special Collection on a lower level, however their webpage, with all their links just took me to 403 Forbidden quite a few times. Some links do work, and might be of use to you, see below. The next time I go, I'll check out the Special Collection Department in Room 55.
Items in our Special Collections:
- Photographs, Prints and Pictures
- Rare Books Collection
- Directories
- Historic Maps and Atlases
- Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps
- Architectural Plans
- Audio and Video Repository
- Legislative Papers
- Genealogical Resources
- Historical Newspapers
- Souvenirs
- Digital Collections
- Burrill File Subject Index
Have you ever visited your state library? Where is it? What does it offer you? Are they operating in the past or have they changed?
6 comments:
Beautiful impressive photos. Sounds like you had a productive "reconnaissance mission". We try to plan ahead, sometimes you just have to "go do."
Glad you took the time to talk to a libriarian and share the results of your visit to a beautiful facility with us.
Thanks Michelle. For sure, I had to ask about a online catalog, and when she said there wasn't one, well... I knew that would be my story. State capitol built in 1798, now I've got to book a free tour soon, to learn abt. the history.
My goodness, the New Hampshire State library is a gold mine of information for genealogy. We had the head come talk to our Mayflower Society once. There is even a genealogy room. It is interesting how different states have different collections in their state libraries. The best thing about the New Hampshire state library is that it is located next door to the NH Historical Society library, so it is easy to go from one to the other. One has great compiled genealogy books and manuscripts for genealogy, the other is heavier on newspapers and local historical archives.
The economy disasters sure have taken a toll on our state libraries, such a shame. Beautiful building.
Beautiful building! The library breathes silence.
It's a very impressive building, but a pity it's not getting used as much as it should be. Look forward to hearing about your tour when you go. Jo :-)
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