Research Resources at the Watkins Community Museum of History

The Douglas County Historical Society has thousands of photographs and documents pertaining to the history of Douglas County, Kansas and its people. These are available in the Archives of Watkins Community Museum of History for the use of researchers subject to the conditions below. Feel free to ask a staff member if you have any questions about our collections or policies. In order to protect our collections and provide the best possible service to our patrons, we ask that you take a few moments to read through our research policies. Researchers must read and sign this form agreeing to comply with these policies before gaining access to the archival materials. Donations for use of the research room are always appreciated.

Research Services

On-Site Research

The Archives are available by appointment only Tuesday through Sat. 1:00-3:00 p.m. Please call 785-841-4109 at least 24 hours in advance to schedule an appointment. Researchers will not be admitted without an appointment. Researchers may use the open stacks free of charge.Note: retrieving photographs or other materials from the collection storage facility may take longer than 24 hours.

Special Fees

On-Site Staff Assisted Research

If the archivist is requested to conduct research for an individual on-site from the open stacks, a pro-rated fee of $25 per hour will be charged.

Off-Site Inquiries

Off-site inquiries should be made in writing either by e-mail, or mail. The archivist’s e-mail is: helenk@watkinsmuseum.org. Download a research request form here (PDF Format). Staff conducted research will be pro-rated at $25 per hour plus copy fees (see reproduction policies) and a minimum shipping and handling fee of $3.50. On-site research takes precedence; please allow four to eight weeks to receive requested information. The archivist shall notify the researcher if more time is required. A researcher may request expedited service for a fee of $35 plus the pro-rated hourly fee and copy fees.

On-site Procedures and Rules

Watkins Community Museum of History reserves the right at all times to ask a researcher to cease work and leave the museum.

Registration And Sign-In/Sign-Out

All researchers at Watkins Community Museum of History must show a photo ID (e.g., a Driver’s License or student ID). The researcher must read and sign this form, which will be kept on file at the museum. On subsequent visits researchers will only need to check in at the "Reference Desk" and sign a daily log indicating their name, research topic, and time in/time out. Information on file may be updated occasionally.

Personal Belongings

Researchers are permitted to bring a laptop computer into the research room. All coats, umbrellas, backpacks, briefcases, suitcases, computer cases, file folders, file boxes, and other personal belongings can either be stored at the museum entrance desk, a locker in the research room, or on the hall coat racks located on the lower level of the building. Douglas County Historical Society and Watkins Community Museum of History cannot be responsible for personal items that are lost or stolen. The museum staff reserves the right to inspect all materials carried by a patron upon their entering and leaving the Archives.

Cameras and other scanning equipment may be used with prior arrangement and at the discretion of the archivist, but fees may apply.

Researchers may bring one binder (spiral or three-ring) or paper, note cards, a personal computer, tape recorder, or portable typewriter and pencils into the Archives.

Conducting Research

  1. Researchers are allowed one file or box at a time.
  2. Researchers will be required to wear white gloves when handling original manuscripts and photographs. Gloves will be provided.
  3. Note Taking:
    1. Notes must be taken using PENCILS. NO PENS of any kind are permitted in the archives.
    2. DO NOT LEAN ON items or place paper or note pads of top of documents while taking notes.
  4. DO NOT attempt to make corrections, any marks, or erasures on research material. If you notice errors in research, please call it to the attention of a staff member.
  5. The archives staff will re-file all materials.
  6. No food or drink is allowed in the archives
  7. No smoking is allowed in the museum.
  8. Photocopies:
    1. Researchers must ask permission to make photocopies. In some cases, only staff can make copies.
    2. Not all materials may be copied due to their condition or the copyright laws of the United States.
    3. Original photographs may not be photocopied.
    4. Copying Fees: 25 cents for 8½" x 11"; 35 cents for 11" x 17"
  9. Photographic Reproductions:
    1. Photographic reproductions may be available, please refer to the Reproduction Policies
    2. Not all materials may be copied due to their condition or the copyright laws of the United States.

Permissions And Credits

Access to research materials does not constitute permission to publish in excess of "fair use" according to the copyright laws of the United States. Researchers are responsible for obtaining permission to publish any copyrighted material found in the WCMH collections. Any public use of materials from the original photograph or manuscript collections must be credited to "Watkins Community Museum of History." See Reproduction Policies for more specific rules.

Watkins Community Museum of History is here to serve the residents and friends of Douglas County, Kansas. We trust you will be satisfied with the service you receive in learning more about the rich heritage of the area. Thank you for following these policies so the museum may continue to inspire and inform the public of these treasures in Northeast Kansas.

Patrons who fail to abide by these policies will be denied access to the archives. Theft or mutilation of items in the archives of Watkins Community Museum of History are crimes that will be prosecuted by the appropriate law enforcement agency.