Research Requests

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Archival research is open by appointment only.
For inquiries regarding the archives, or to make an appointment please contact: info@powellrivermuseum.ca

​Unable to visit in person?  The Powell River Historical Museum & Archives  is pleased to offer a fee-based research service for distance research requests.
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Staff conducted research service fees are waived for the first 15 minutes. For research requiring more than 15 minutes, there is an hourly fee of $20.00. There are also service fees for reproductions of records and/or images. Please click here to view our Heritage Services Fees.

To send us your research query,  you can fill out the form below or email info@powellrivermuseum.ca Requests must apply to the qathet Regional District or the City of Powell River, and fall within the scope of the PRHMA. 

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The Museum does not have full time researchers on staff. Our ability to conduct research or a photograph search will be assessed with each request. Simple information requests that do not involve more than 15 minutes of staff time to complete will be done free of charge. In some cases of research, an initial in-person or phone consultation with Museum staff or volunteers is needed.

No original materials are allowed to leave the museum. There will be no relaxing of this policy for any reason, unless another accredited Canadian Archives is involved. Please understand that some materials may be restricted from use for reasons of privacy or for conservation.
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All material must be used in the archives. Researchers must agree to adhere to the Rules of the Archives they are provided with access to the material.

In-Person Research
Researchers must make an appointment at a minimum of two weeks in advance to access the archives.  There is no charge for self-directed research (accessing finding aids and digitized material).  Staff may assist to identify suitable archival materials and must access and refile materials. Their help may also be needed to obtain copies. 

Distance Research
Prior to the Museum agreeing to have its staff conduct research, an assessment as to our ability to do so will be made. We also make no guarantee that we will find the information being requested. Response to the request will usually be within two to four weeks, unless otherwise indicated.
We recommend that researchers initially approve an hour or two of research time, which will allow us to survey the collection, advise what material is available and estimate costs to copy material.   We can be most effective if you clearly define your research objectives and priorities in advance. Research time will be prorated to the nearest 1/4 hour.

Rules of the Archives
Researchers are reminded that they are working with historical records, which are unique and often very fragile. These rules outline your responsibilities as a researcher, to help us preserve the holdings of the Powell River Museum and Archives.
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Please note that these rules apply to all researchers and staff of the Powell River Historical Museum and Archives.

• All researchers must fill out a Research Request Form before accessing archival material.
• Eating and drinking are prohibited near archival holdings. This includes water and chewing gum.
• Archival records must be used in the building under the supervision of a designated staff member or volunteer.
• Cotton or latex gloves are required when handling records. Thoroughly washing and drying hands immediately before use is an acceptable alternative. 
• Researchers should examine records one box at a time, one folder at a time, maintaining the order in which they were received. It is imperative that you maintain the order of the archival records you are using. Do not change the order of the files within a container, or items within a file.
• Only pencils may be used when working with archival materials. 
• Do not write on archival records. Avoid placing your note-taking pad on top of records or leaning directly on archival records. Tracing maps or other records, or the use of “post-it” or other self-sticking notes, staples or paper clips on archival records is not permitted. 

• No copyright material should be used in any publication without first obtaining permission from the copyright holder and/or the Powell River Historical Museum and Archives.
• Copies of archival records or reference material for private study will only be made under the fair use provisions at the Copyright Act. Copies of records are not to be further reproduced, sold or published without permission.
• Established fees will be charged for the provision of copied materials (see fee schedule here).
• When purchasing images from the collection the images must not be altered or manipulated in any way and proper credit must accompany all images.
• Photographs of archival material is not permitted without prior approval from staff.