Research

The Research Library is currently open, by appointment, on Thursdays. Please contact the Museum to arrange an appointment at least one week before your visit. Research and publication are vital to the Museum’s mission. Original research for publications, exhibits, public lectures, academic conferences, school programs, guided tours, and interpretive media is encouraged. When making a research appointment, please specify your research topic and any specific materials you are looking for so we can confirm that we have what you need and retrieve any materials from the archives prior to your visit. The Research Library includes open-stack books and periodicals that are browsable for researchers, any archival materials, such as photos and documents, will be retrieved by staff or volunteers and brought to the research library for use.

The Museum and Research Library receive and answer requests for research by phone, e-mail, and standard mail. If you are unable to come to the Research Library, or if you have a specific question, you may contact the Museum with your research request. Any requests that can be quickly researched and answered are free, see the research fee list below. Requests that require more time and research will be charged as a research project.

Policy and Fees

It is the policy of the Museum to:

• Answer researchers within two weeks of receipt of request.
• Direct the researchers to other institutions where information may be found (when applicable) if this institution’s holdings cannot be of assistance.

Terms of Use for Images
It is agreed that use of collection images will be done under the following conditions:

• Payment in full is required at the time of visit or order of image.
• An Image Reproduction Letter of Agreement must be signed and returned to Museum staff.
• Reproduction arrangements will be made or approved by Museum staff.
• Any reproduction in any format remains the property of the Michigan Maritime Museum.
• Images are to be used one time and only for the purpose stated on the Image Reproduction Letter of Agreement. Additional reproduction of the image(s) must be approved in writing.
• Reproductions may not be superimposed with type matter, used across a fold, or in any way defaced or altered.
• Credit will appear with each image as follows: Michigan Maritime Museum Collection
• Michigan Maritime Museum shall receive a copy of resulting publications, etc. free of charge.