Researching in person at the Danbury Museum is free, but must be booked at least 48 hours in advance to give museum staff time to gather the materials for your visit. We are only able to accommodate one researcher per time slot, so please plan accordingly. Research appointments are available Wednesday through Saturday. The research area in Huntington Hall is wheelchair accessible.
To better serve your research needs, we request that you contact Research Specialist Patrick Wells at p.wells@danbury-ct.gov or 203-743-5200 with the specifics of your request prior to your visit. Research Specialist hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 12-4. We endeavor to respond to your email the following business day.
Please note:
- There is NO food or drink allowed in the research office or archive spaces
- Only #2 pencils allowed, no ink pens of any sort
- We have a photo licensing policy below should you wish to purchase any photographic reproductions
- We do allow photocopying of some documents, at the discretion of our Research Specialist, for .25¢ per page.
It is our practice to monitor and manage appointment no-shows and late cancellations. The Danbury Museum’s goal is to provide timely and helpful service to all researchers. If it is necessary to cancel your appointment, researchers are required to call (203-743-5200) 24 hours in advance or cancel their appointment via Eventbrite. Notification allows our staff to better utilize research appointments for other visitors.
Winter Weather Policy & Holiday Hours
If the museum is closed, tours at both campuses and research appointments will be canceled.
Research & Archival Resources
Research Policy and Fee Schedule
Research Policy and Fee Schedule
Research Policy and Fee Schedule
Can't visit us in person? Research conducted by our Research Specialist is $25 per half-hour (this fee includes 25 photocopies), and the first half-hour must be paid for in advance—via check by mail, or using the PayPal link below. Each obituary or other research inquiry is treated as a separate request and subject to the $25 charge. If research cannot be completed within the first half-hour, we will contact you before proceeding further.
Photo Archives
Research Policy and Fee Schedule
Research Policy and Fee Schedule
Our extensive photo collection offers a rare look at everything from historic buildings and prominent people to precious class photos, early business and industry, clubs, and organizations.
Photo reproduction rights are subject to licensing agreements and usage fees. Download a copy of the fee schedule, reproduction and usage agreement, permission and order forms at the bottom of this page. Volunteers are busy indexing the collection of images from the Shea Photography Studio in Danbury. A searchable database will be ready soon. Perhaps you'll find yourself or a family member in the archives.
Danbury News-Times Microfilm
Danbury News-Times Microfilm
Danbury News-Times Microfilm
Download a list of all resources on microfilm at the bottom of this page. You may use your phone or digital camera to photograph microfilm articles. Printed microfilm pages using our copier are .25¢ each.
The Archives
Danbury News-Times Microfilm
Danbury News-Times Microfilm
A few of the items available to genealogists, historians, students, educators, authors, film & television productions and anyone interested in local history include:
- Danbury newspapers on microfilm
- Annual Reports of the City
- Minutes of The Common Council
- Early City Directories
- Family Surname Files
- Vital Statistics and Census Information
- Grand Tax Lists
- Cemetery and Burial Records
- Military Service Records
- School Yearbooks
- Journals, Diaries, Letters, and Scrapbooks
- Business Ledgers
- Early Deeds and Land Records
Memorabilia and artifacts of all kinds are part of our archival collections.
You'll find a partial list of archive subject files at the bottom of this page.
Offsite Research Fee Payment
Please click here if you wish to pay for your obituary lookup or other research requests via PayPal. Thank you!
