Archival Collections

The library and archives at the Museum of Old Newbury are a wealth of information about all things local. Our collections include both primary and secondary source materials that address family genealogies, Newburyport’s maritime heritage, local businesses and industries, landmarks, buildings, cemeteries and more.  Resources available for research use include local history books, ship logs, maps, photographs, genealogy books, diaries, ledgers and ephemera.

 
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Collection Scope

The museum holds archival materials pertinent to the history of “Old Newbury,” which today encompasses the communities of Newburyport, Newbury, West Newbury, Byfield and Plum Island.

Primary Sources

Primary source materials in our collection date from the 17th-21st centuries, with a particular emphasis in the 18th and 19th centuries. Materials include ship logs, diaries, letters, business papers, photographs and ledgers.

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Family Research

Newbury’s “first settlers” from England arrived in 1635. Today, their descendants live locally and around the country, and our archival resources can help to document family genealogy. Learn more on our Genealogy page.

House Research

Do you want to learn more about your historic house? Check out our historic photographs, city directories, maps and files on local families. We recommend beginning your house research by establishing a chain of title with the resources available online through the Southern Essex District Registry of Deeds.

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Photograph Collection

Our photograph collection is extensive and includes imagery from the dawn of photography to the present day. Subjects include people, houses, streetscapes, landmarks, ships, businesses, schools, churches, landscapes and more.

A portion of our photograph collection has been digitized and is available online through Digital Commonwealth. Much of the collection has not yet been digitized and is available at the museum during research appointments.