Photograph Research Requests
Submit a Request
Photograph research requests may be submitted either online or by mail.
Submit a request online
Send a request by mailNo faxed or telephoned requests will be accepted.
The Research Center of the Montana Historical Society maintains a large collection of library, archival and photographic materials relating to the history of Montana and the West.
Fees & Payment
If you are unable to visit our Research Center to conduct your own research, our staff will answer general research questions for a small fee.Defining Your Search
The subject of the photograph (such as a person, place or event) and an approximate date when photographed must be clearly defined in your request. Vague or otherwise poorly defined requests cannot be researched and will be returned!In addition to being well-defined, each request must be limited in scope. For obvious reasons, we cannot conduct "endless" searches. For example, we cannot:
- Answer requests for "all" photographs of specific subjects, for example "all photographs of Cheyenne Indians"
- Answer long and detailed requests for numerous subjects or numerous people. If you need extensive research done, please contact a contract researcher.
This service is for research use only, not for ordering reproductions of specific images.
Submitting Your Request
You can submit your request online and pay with a credit card, or send your request by mail along with a check made payable to "Montana Historical Society Research Center" (see mailing address printed on form).Fullfillment
Research requests are handled in the order they are received. Turn-around time is 15-20 business days, dating from the receipt of payment.Libel, Privacy, & Copyright Concerns
Providing research information does not imply permission to publish. The researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright that may be involved in use of the collections. For more information about ordering reproductions or reproduction policies for photographs, please email us at photoarchives@mt.govContact Us
For questions about the Research Center and the services we provide, please contact the Research Center at 406.444.2681 or email mhslibrary@mt.govFor technical questions concerning the online payment portal, please contact our online services help desk at 406.449.3468 (toll-free 1.866.449.3468).
