Collections

The Massachusetts Historical Society is one of the nation’s most respected research libraries. Our extraordinary collections provide an unparalleled record of American history and are enjoyed by scholars and the public alike.

The MHS possesses a remarkable assembly of personal papers of three presidents, John Adams, John Quincy Adams, and Thomas Jefferson. The collections also contain accounts of the lives of thousands of ordinary Americans.

Explore 9 fully digitized manuscript collections!  Starting with the collection guides, browse 9,189 digital images depicting Civil War letters, documents, clippings, and a few manuscript maps.  Read entire collections online relating to 6 officers, 1 surgeon, 1 private, and 1 superintendent.

Explore the collections

The collections are available to all in person, online, and through exhibitions and programs. Learn more about doing research at the MHS. 

Use these tools to view highlights, digital collections, and other online resources.