Plan Your Visit
Georgia Historical Society Research Center Summer Closure May 1-August 31; Services Will Continue Remotely
The Georgia Historical Society Research Center will be closed to the public for in-person visits from May 1 through August 31, 2025. During this period, GHS will continue to fulfill image and remote research requests. This temporary and brief in-person closure will allow GHS to concentrate on planning programming for the upcoming U.S. 250th commemoration and to thoughtfully evaluate how the institution serves the public and operates its Research Center in light of evolving usage patterns.
GHS is able to undertake this important work during the summer, which historically sees a lower volume of in-person research activity. This timing helps ensure minimal disruption while allowing us to enhance our services and plan strategically for the future.
Image and remote research requests will still be accepted and fulfilled. For research-related assistance, please contact us at library@georgiahistory.com. The GHS administrative offices will continue to operate on a normal schedule throughout the closure and our award-winning publications and educational programming, including the Georgia History Festival and the state historical marker program, will not be affected. Please note that our online finding aids, digital image catalog, and other electronic resources will continue to be available on our website during the closure.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming researchers back when we reopen to the public on September 1, 2025.
The GHS Research Center is open to the public. Each researcher must present a valid government-issued photo ID upon each visit and complete a patron registration form once per calendar year.
- Admission is free to members.
- Non-members are assessed a $5 per day research fee, paid at the end of their visit.
- No fees are assessed for patrons accessing public records only. Public records are defined as “documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, computer based or generated information, or similar material prepared and maintained or received in the course of the operation of a public office or agency.” (Georgia Open Records Act Section 50-18-70 G)
- Appointments for extensive research are encouraged for all patrons visiting the Research Center.
- Appointments are required for groups of five or more and for those seeking in-depth, on-site service or instruction. (In-depth service or instruction is reserved for scholars or academics that require extensive reference staff assistance while researching for the intended purpose of publishing their work; fees may apply.)
If you wish to access archival material or rare books, research appointments are strongly recommended. Please note that appointments are per person at a maximum of four researchers per day. Notify reference staff if you plan on bringing an additional researcher for your appointment.
As a courtesy to fellow researchers, cell phone use is not permitted in the reading room. Cell phones may be used in designated areas.
To enhance the security of the collections and to ensure that an atmosphere fostering research is maintained in the reading room the Georgia Historical Society has restrictions on the kinds of personal items that can be brought into the reading room.
To make an appointment, email the library at library@georgiahistory.com or telephone at 912.651.2128.
What to Bring
Free lockers are available to store personal property or any property deemed inappropriate for library use.
- Photo ID
- Pencils (only)
- Paper
- Laptop
- Digital camera or cell phone for image reproductions, but you must adhere to the Digital Camera Policy and pay the additional $12 daily fee.
What NOT to Bring
- Pens and highlighters
- Food and beverages
- Scanners
- Pets (service animals are allowed)
- Guns or weapons
Personal items that must be stored in free patron lockers include (but are not limited to):
- Backpacks, purses, and bags
- Briefcases and laptop cases
- Outerwear (such as raincoats and overcoats)
Contact
Georgia Historical Society
Research Center
501 Whitaker Street
Savannah, GA 31401
Phone: 912.651.2128
Fax: 912.651.2831