The William T. and Mary L. Hurley Library
Behind every exhibit at the Old Colony History Museum lies a treasure trove of books, photographs, maps, letters, and documents—all preserved in the William T. and Mary L. Hurley Library and archives. Our collections focus on Southeastern Massachusetts prior to 1850, with a special emphasis on Taunton’s earliest European settlers.
Whether you’re tracing family roots, researching a historic property, or uncovering the story of a local event, our research library offers unique, one-of-a-kind resources you won’t find anywhere else. To ensure the best experience, we encourage visitors to schedule an appointment in advance—our staff will be happy to help you make the most of your time with our inspiring collections.
Plan Your Visit
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Admission: $5/day for non-members • Free for members
Appointments Required – Call or email to schedule.
Why appointments matter:
- Ensures staff can prepare materials for your research
- Gives you one-on-one time with our staff
- Helps protect and preserve fragile items
Research for Hire – When You Can’t Visit in Person
Can’t make it to the Old Colony History Museum’s library in person? Our Research for Hire program puts our expert staff to work for you—no matter where you are.
Rates: $50/hour research fee (minimum 1 hour) • $25/hour for members
What we Offer
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Genealogical Research – Trace your family roots in Southeastern Massachusetts.
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Historical Inquiries – Discover the story of a person, place, or event.
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Document Retrieval – Request copies of photographs, maps, and archival records
How it Works
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Submit Your Request – Give us a call or email us with your topic.
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Get a Quote – We’ll provide an estimate based on your project’s scope.
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We Research for You – Our trained staff dig through our archives.
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Receive Your Results – A Findings Report, complete with digital files or physical copies from our collections, will be delivered to you.
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