The Center for Research, located in The Green-House at Green-Wood, provides access to Green-Wood’s Archives and Collections, with materials dating back to 1838. The Reading Room offers a dedicated space for researchers and the public to work with original records and objects.
THE CENTER FOR RESEARCH HOURS & ADMISSION:
Open Thursdays and Fridays from 10am–2pm.
Admission: Free of charge, by appointment only. Registration is required for first-time researchers.
CONTACT THE READING ROOM
Email: archives@green-wood.com
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I book an appointment?
To request an appointment, please email archives@green-wood.com.
How do I request materials?
You can submit a request before your visit by contacting the Archives & Collections team at archives@green-wood.com. We recommend requesting materials at least a week in advance. Materials belonging to The Green-Wood Cemetery Archives and Collections cannot be removed from the Reading Room.
Where is the Reading Room located?
To request an appointment, please emaiThe Reading Room is located on the main floor of The Center for Research at The Green-House at Green-Wood (750 Fifth Avenue), right off the Green-Wood Gallery.
Who can use the Reading Room?
The Reading Room is open free of charge to visitors 13 years or older.
Do I need to be a Green-Wood member to use the Reading Room?
No. The Reading Room is open to the public.
What are the hours of the Reading Room?
The reading room is open from 10am to 2pm on Thursdays and Fridays, by appointment only.
What is the reading room?
The Reading Room is Green-Wood’s state-of-the-art space for viewing items from the Archives and Collections of the Library. Registration and appointments are required to visit, and items must be requested in advance. Archive staff are available in the Reading Room to provide assistance and services.
Will staff help me with my research?
Staff are happy to assist with locating materials and answering questions about the collections. However, we are not able to conduct extensive research on behalf of visitors.
Are all records available for research?
Not all materials are open for access. Some records are restricted due to privacy concerns, donor agreements, or their physical condition. Access to certain records may be restricted by a 75-year restriction to protect privacy. If you are a direct descendant or have appropriate documentation, additional access may be possible.
Why are some records restricted?
Some materials contain sensitive personal information. Restrictions help protect the privacy of individuals and families and ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.
What happens if a record I want is fragile or restricted?
If a record is too fragile or restricted, we may provide a digital copy or alternative access whenever possible.
Can I bring my child or infant to the Reading Room?
The Reading Room is open to visitors 13 years of age or older. Therefore, young children and infants are not permitted.
Can I have coffee or lunch in the Reading Room?
All food, drinks, candy, and gum are not permitted in the Reading Room.
Can I take photographs of materials?
Photography may be permitted for research use, depending on the conditions and restrictions of the materials. Flash and personal scanning equipment are not allowed.
Can I use pens, highlighters, sticky notes, or other office supplies in the reading room?
Only pencils, notebooks, laptops, tablets, and cellphones are permitted in the reading room. Any needed supplies in the general course of research can be provided by the Archives staff.
Are laptops or tablets allowed in the reading room?
You are encouraged to bring your own laptop, tablet, or smartphone. There is limited access to a single public computer that is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Is wireless access available in the reading room?
Free, public wireless access (Wi-Fi) is available in the Reading Room for researchers. Please ask staff for assistance with logging in to The Green-Wood Cemetery’s network.
How is my information handled when I request access to records?
When submitting a research request, we collect only the information needed to process your request and support your visit. Your information is kept confidential and is only accessed by authorized staff. We do not share your personal details with outside parties unless required by law.
What should I expect during my visit?
When you arrive, staff will guide you through handling procedures and provide any requested materials and additional support. We aim to create a quiet, respectful space for research.