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📚 Information & Research Requests
The Kittitas County Historical Museum is home to thousands of artifacts, photographs, and archival records. We regularly assist researchers, genealogists, students, property owners, and others seeking to learn more about the history of Kittitas County.
Research services are provided as staff time and collections care allow. All research requests must be submitted through the Museum’s request process.
Please note: staff are not able to conduct in-depth research during regular open hours. Some requests may require staff time and may include a fee.
📝 Submitting a Request
Please use the Research Request Form to submit your inquiry. Requests are reviewed in the order received.
The more detail you provide, the more effectively we can assist. Helpful information may include:
- For family research: names, dates of birth or death, and known locations
- For property research: address, parcel information, nearby crossroads, or other location details
- For object or photo research: any known background, dates, names, or related family or business information
- For all requests: any prior sources already checked
You will be contacted if more information is needed. You will also be contacted before any billable research begins.
Research Request Form
🔍 On-Site Research
On-site research is available by appointment only and must be arranged in advance.
Please note that the Museum’s archives, collections storage, and staff work areas are not open to the public. Staff will retrieve materials for approved appointments as available.
Availability depends on staffing, scheduled activities, and the condition or access needs of materials.
🌐 Online Research Resources
Before submitting a request, we encourage you to review the online research resources available through our website. Many common questions can be answered through these tools.
- Community Research Resources – Local contacts, repositories, and historical tools that may support your research
- Historic Preservation Resources – Information related to preservation, designation, and historic places in Kittitas County
- Additional Research Resources – A broader list of archives, libraries, and databases that may assist with your project
These resources are a good place to begin, especially for family history, property history, and general background research.
💲 Research Fees
Research fees reflect the staff time required to locate, review, and prepare materials.
Brief requests:
Up to 30–60 minutes of staff or volunteer research time may be provided at no charge.
Extended research:
Requests requiring more than one hour of staff time are subject to a research fee. Fees begin at $25 and vary depending on the scope and complexity of the request.
Payment is required before research services are completed. KCHM members receive discounted research fees.
🖼️ Rights, Images & Reproductions
The Museum provides access to its collections for research, reference, and educational use when possible.
- Some materials may be restricted due to condition, donor agreements, copyright, or privacy
- The Museum may decline access or reproduction requests
- Providing access to an image or item does not grant permission to publish, distribute, share publicly, sell, or use it for business, media, or promotion
- Permission for publication or commercial use must be requested separately
- Researchers are responsible for following all applicable copyright, privacy, and intellectual property laws
Educational Use
Images for classroom or nonprofit instructional use may be provided at no cost or a reduced rate, depending on the request.
- Images are typically provided under 300 DPI
- Use is limited to one-time educational or instructional purposes
- Credit line required:
Courtesy of the Kittitas County Historical Museum
Photograph Reproduction – Personal Use
One-time use only.
- Digital image under 300 DPI — $5 per image
- Digital image over 300 DPI — $15 per image
Photograph Reproduction – Display or Exhibit Use
- $25 per image
Credit line required:
Courtesy of the Kittitas County Historical Museum
Please note: Use of materials in exhibits may be subject to the Museum’s outgoing loan guidelines and additional requirements beyond reproduction fees. This will be addressed as part of the request review process.
Photograph Reproduction – Publication Use
For books, websites, marketing, or other public distribution.
- Digital image under 300 DPI — $75 per image
- Digital image over 600 DPI — $150 per image
Use is limited to a single publication or project unless otherwise approved.
Credit line required:
Courtesy of the Kittitas County Historical Museum
Copies & Scans
- Black & white copy (8.5” × 11”) — $0.10 per page
- Color copy (8.5” × 11”) — $0.50 per page
- Digital scan (color or grayscale) — $0.25 per page
Rush Orders
Rush service may be available depending on staff capacity and is not guaranteed. Rush fees add 50% to the total order cost.
🤝 Volunteer Opportunity
Research support takes time, and volunteer help makes a real difference.
The Museum welcomes volunteers who assist with scanning, cataloging, collections work, and research support projects as needed. Volunteer opportunities vary based on current projects and staff capacity.
Click here to learn more about volunteering and internships.
📌 Final Note
Submission of a request does not guarantee availability of materials or completion of research.
Fees and policies are subject to change. The Museum reserves the right to review and adjust requests as needed to protect collections and ensure responsible access.