​Oneida County History Center

The Colonel Tharratt Gilbert Best Research Library contains 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.

Visitors will be admitted by appointment only until the COVID-19 pandemic subsides. Call 315-735-3642 or request an appointment here.  Individuals with preexisting conditions that are high risk for infection are urged to stay home. Masks and distancing are required. No more than 5 individuals are allowed in the library at any time. If you wish to visit in the next 24-48 hours please call.  

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

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 surrogate court. Visit https://www.ocgov.net//historicalrecords for more information on Oneida County records.

Research Fees

Please Note

Instructions

All research requests must be made in writing and accompanied by the initial $25.00 fee.  Requests can be submitted online or by mail. Please follow the directions below.

Online

Submit your $25.00 payment on-line using your credit card and the "Pay Now"  button below.  Next, select the "Return to Merchant" button to provide and submit your request information electronically.  You will receive an e-mail confirmation of your payment.  Important: Please provide your "shipping address" when requested to do so. Please contact historyinquiries@oneidacountyhistory.org with questions.

By Mail

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

Research Library

Making a Request

Library Use:  $5 per day for non-members, free for History Center members

Visit the library and conduct your own research.  Investigate your family heritage, browse through old photos, or learn about the history of your property.  Appointments are required. Call 315-735-3642 or request an appointment here.  Subject to staff and volunteer availability.

Research Requests: $25 per request*

A $25.00 research fee is required to begin any research undertaking. This is an initial fee and there may be further costs associated with your research. The fee, above the initial request fee, is $25.00 per hour.  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.

Photo Reproductions: $10 and up

Photo duplication services are available for print and digital images. Photo prints start at $10.00 for an 8” x 10” image.  Please see the Photo Prints Pricing for additional sizes and prices.