Study the Past

Research Library

The Research Library is housed on the lower level of the museum. Access to the Research Library is free to members, and included with paid museum admission for other visitors. The Library is open during regular museum hours, but closed during First Thursday Speaker Series programs and other special events.

The Clark County Historical Museum’s (CCHM) Research Library offers access to a wide range of resources, including historical books, yearbooks, maps, pamphlets, brochures, oral history transcripts, and CCHM’s annual publication. The library also provides secondary source materials, access to the digitized Columbian newspaper, community history books, and publications from the Clark County Genealogical Society.

Popular resources in the Research Library collection include the Polk City Directories, cemetery records, historical home surveys, and topical research boxes arranged by subject headings.

Thanks to ongoing digitization projects, several portions of our archives are available online. These can be found through our Electronic Resources page.

Regarding genealogical research, it should be noted that CCHM’s resources are limited.

More comprehensive resources may be found at the Clark County Genealogical Society (located at 3205 NE 52nd Street) by calling (360) 750-5688 or by email.

Old car parked out front of ivy covered brick Clark County Historical Museum, old photograph
Family, child in front, man holding baby and woman standing behind surrounded by plants, vintage photograph

GENERAL GUIDELINES

Please note that:

  • Research Library materials are non-circulating and may not be checked out or obtained through interlibrary loan.
  • The library is self-directed, and research assistance is limited.
  • We recommended visitors to bring pencils, notepaper, cameras, or hand scanners to aid in their research.
  • The use of pens is not allowed.
  • Our collections storage is not open for public browsing.
  • Food and drink, including water bottles, are not allowed in the Research Library.

RESEARCH REQUESTS

Many of the items in the Research Library are unique and some are quite fragile and require special handling.

We take special precautions to ensure that our collections will be available to many generations of users. All materials must stay in the main Research Library area at all times. While most stacks are open and may be browsed independently, some materials, such as original photographs and maps, must be requested of the library staff.

“Distance research” requests can be made and will be evaluated given the limitations of the materials available in the Research Library as well as the expertise of staff and time available. Such requests are typically made by researchers who cannot come to the museum to do their own research. Although such research requests may be made by telephone, it is preferred that such requests be made by filling out the Research Request form below.

Be as specific as you can about what you want to find. For instance, include names, dates, and locations. If you need a particular type of format such as manuscripts, maps, or photographs, be sure to note it.

Aerial view of city blocks, Downtown Vancouver, vintage photograph

RESEARCH REQUEST FORM

    Clark County Historical Museum Research Request Form

    WE ARE CURRENTLY PROCESSING A LARGE NUMBER OF REQUESTS AND HAVE PAUSED NEW REQUEST FOR THE TIME BEING.
    Thank you for your interest in the Clark County Historical Museum’s collections and resources. Please fill out this form with as much detail as possible so we can assist you effectively. Our staff will contact you regarding your request, fees (if applicable), and research timeline.

    Have you previously conducted research at the museum or used our collections?

    Please note: Research requests are handled in the order received. A courtesy hour of free research is provided for each request. Fees may apply for additional staff-conducted research, reproductions, or usage rights. We will inform you of any estimated costs before proceeding with your request.

    Please note: Research requests can take a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks to complete and, depending on complexity and staff availability, may take several months.

    If you are interested in additional fee-based research or in obtaining reproductions of materials, please contact us at research@cchmuseum.org.

    Would you like museum staff to conduct research on your behalf if you cannot visit in person?