Research Resources
The Center for American Art offers assistance for all types of research about the nation’s artistic heritage. Specifically, the Center administers the files for the Museum’s American art collections as well as maintains the Lloyd and Edith Havens Goodrich Record of Works by Thomas Eakins and the American Watercolors research portal offering resources for the study of American watercolors, prints, and drawings from 1850 to 1925. Additionally, the museum offers several free resources to aid researchers, including:Request an Appointment
Appointments to access American art collection objects or research files can be scheduled for Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Availability may be restricted by the department’s exhibition schedule and by staff and space limitations. To request a visit, email with the following information:- Name
- Preferred date of visit
- Subject of research
- Purpose of research
- Collection objects to be consulted
- Research files to be consulted
Policies
When working with collection objects and files, kindly follow these guidelines >>
Collection Objects
- Before your appointment, check personal belongings such as coats, bags, backpacks, umbrellas, and portfolios at the museum’s coat check. Pencils, paper, laptops, and cameras are allowed.
- Food (including candy or gum) and beverages (including water) are not permitted in secured storage areas.
- Museum staff will handle and move art objects. A staff member will be present at all times with you in secured storage areas. When closely examining objects, ensure your accessories, apparel, and other personal items do not touch the object. Be mindful not to touch an object when pointing or looking through magnifying glasses or other devices.
- You may photograph objects with a digital camera, cell phone, or tablet but without the use of flash or a tripod. Images of many collection objects are available on the museum’s website. To publish an image of a work from the museum’s collection, email for information about photography rights and costs.
- Personal belongings such as coats, briefcases, or bags should not be placed on the research table. Pencils, paper, laptops, and cameras are allowed.
- You will receive permission to examine materials after filling out and signing a Researcher Registration Form. This document includes an agreement that indicates that you have read the access procedures and a warning about copyright law. It will be kept on file with a list of records pulled.
- Examine records one box at a time, one folder at a time, maintaining the order in which they were received. Notify a staff member if anything appears to be out of order—do not rearrange the records yourself.
- When handling records, use a common-sense approach:
- No food or beverages at the reading table.
- Wash hands before handling materials.
- Pencils only.
- Do not erase or make marks on documents.
- Do not trace or write on top of documents.
- Wear gloves only when examining photographic materials.
- Do not bend or crease brittle paper; support it against a stable flat surface, such as a folder or tabletop.
- You may photograph objects with a digital camera, cell phone, or tablet but without the use of flash or a tripod. Images of many collection objects are available on the museum’s website. To publish an image of a work from the museum’s collection, contact the Library at for information about photography rights and costs.
- Items to be copied should be turned perpendicular in the folder. Let us know if you would like documents scanned or photocopied. This service is available free of charge.