Student Research Visits FAQ
Please complete this online form to request a group visit. We greatly appreciate it when you share detailed information about your group, particularly your topical interest(s) and any learning objectives for the visit.
Confirmation of group visits to the Detre Library & Archives are subject to staff availability and capacity.
Groups visits are best accommodated on Mondays, and Tuesdays as well as weeknight evenings. Other days may be available with advanced coordination.
At least four weeks prior notice is strongly preferred.
To ensure staff and space availability, please contact us about your proposed date and time before making other arrangements (transportation, museum tickets, etc.).
Groups visiting the History Center’s Detre Library & Archives may choose one or more of these options:
Option 1: Orientation to Detre Library & Archives (typically 1 hour): This session begins with an introduction to the Detre Library & Archives covering who we are, what we do, the types of materials in our collection, and how to access these materials. Instruction on using the Detre Library & Archives online catalog and/or other search tools is also included.
This experience can be customized based on your group’s topical interests, level of research experience, and other needs. The second part of the session includes time for the group to look through a selection of pre-selected material on a topic relevant to their interests. This allows learners to familiarize themselves with handling our archival material, photographs, maps, and published material.
Option 2: Hands-On Research Time (typically 1-3 hours): This option is for groups wishing to conduct independent research during a visit. The session includes a brief orientation to the Detre Library & Archives shaped by the group’s prior knowledge of our holdings and mission.
- Groups with research objectives should consider scheduling two hours in the library to allow for material delivery and adequate time with the sources. Groups will coordinate with Detre Library & Archives staff in advance to identify relevant materials, which will be pre-selected and ready for the group.
Option 3: How to Google for Primary Sources (typically 30 minutes-1 hour): Engaging instruction session on how to locate relevant primary sources online. Includes strategies on how to leverage Google to surface digitized primary sources. Local and national websites featuring large amounts of digitized primary sources will also be highlighted. This session is well-suited for middle school, high school, college, and adult learners who are in the early phases of a research project, and it includes guidance on effective research strategies.
Topics commonly of interest to groups include local African American history, Civil War, Cold War, genealogical resources, the Gilded Age, Kennywood, local Jewish history, local Italian American history, Urban Renewal, the Vietnam War, and World War II. Given the fairly broad scope of the History Center’s collecting mission, there are many other topics that can be explored through our collections!
Virtual or offsite orientations or classes can be offered as a standalone experience or as a primer ahead of an on-site visit. Orientations are generally 30 to 45 minutes long and to introduce the group to the Detre Library & Archives, who we are, what we do, what types of material we have in our collection, and how to access these materials. This experience can be customized based on your group’s topical interest(s), level of research experience, and other needs. Confirmation of virtual or offsite experiences is subject to staff availability and capacity.
If you are conducting hands-on research, search the online catalog to identify books and other primary sources such as documents, photographs, films, and audio recordings that are relevant to your group’s interests. to identify relevant collections before your class or group arrives.
You will receive a confirmation email of your group visit reservation. Confirmation of group visits to the Detre Library & Archives are subject to staff availability and capacity. This confirmation email will include information about pre-visit resources, day-of-visit procedures, and contact information for the staff member working directly with your group.
Contact us at [email protected] or 412-454-6364.