​​Oneida County History Center

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The Colonel Tharratt Gilbert Best Research Library carries over 250,000 documents and books, tens of thousands of images (photographs, paintings, slides, drawings, etc.) and thousands of artifacts. Many are rare collection items that provide invaluable information for researchers.

We are a volunteer run nonprofit, so keep in mind that the fees do not cover the cost of the service. Through the generosity of our members we are able to subsidize the costs associated with researching and preserving the records in our possession.

Also, we do not maintain records for vital statistics. To obtain birth, death, or marriage records, contact the clerk of the town or city where the birth, death, or marriage occurred. For wills, contact the county probate court.

Research Fees

Please Note

Make a $10.00 "Request for Research" payment on-line using your credit card. Once you have paid in this manner, select the "Return to Oneida County History Center" button so that you may provide the request information and submit it electronically. You will receive an e-mail confirmation of your payment. Important: Please provide your "shipping address" when requested to do so. 

All research requests must be made in writing and accompanied by the initial $10.00 fee.

Requests can be made in one of the following methods.

Research Request

Print and complete a copy of our Research Request form. Mail the form, accompanied by your check or money order made payable to the Oneida County History Center, to the address provided on the form. 

A $10.00 research fee is required for all non-members to begin any research undertaking. This is an initial fee and there may be further costs associated with your research.

The fee, over and above the initial request fee, is $10.00 per hour for extensive staff help on research.You will be notified of any additional costs before further research is conducted.

Arrangements can be made for extensive research projects by contacting the Executive Director. Please keep in mind that we do not guarantee we will locate the information that you are looking for. It still takes time and effort to research even if we are not able to locate the information you are seeking.

Making a Request