Reference Requests

The Historical Library and Archives Iowa History Research Center in Des Moines is open every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.    Access to Research Materials in Iowa City Request Process, Hours and Access process are detailed on the Iowa City Branch Updates page.   Scheduling an appointment in advance of your visit in Des Moines is highly recommended if you plan on accessing our State Archives and Special Collections materials. You may also schedule an appointment starting at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Please schedule an appointment for the collections in Des Moines using our online form.

Staff also assist researchers who are not able to visit one of our centers in person when they use our Reference Request Form. In the form you can:

  • Ask specific questions about Historical Library and Archives collections.
  • Request copies of specific images, pages from documents, books, periodicals, manuscripts, images, audio and video recordings, newspaper articles, obituaries and much more.
  • Request reproductions of entire periodical articles or a book chapter. (Note: Allowable only if the item requested for duplication is not currently copyright protected.)
  • Indicate the time-sensitive nature of your request.

For questions that require in-depth reference beyond the resources of State Historical Society of Iowa Library and Archives staff in Des Moines, you may want to visit our Research Center there in person or consult the list of independent researchers. These individuals provide research assistance for a fee. While the majority specialize in genealogy, some conduct various types of historical investigation. We do not endorse any particular individual on the list. Any agreement with an independent researcher is solely between you and the independent researcher.

Collection Access During Renovations and Relocations

Archives Access During Collection Storage Renovation Project.  The project to replace the non-working high density compact storage at the State Historical Building in Des Moines is ongoing and on schedule.  As of March 13, 2026 all State Archives and Special Collections have been relocated to temporary storage until the project completion date of early August 2026.  After construction is complete, the collections will begin to move back to the renovated permanent storage which is scheduled to be completed in November 2026.   While the State Archives and Special Collections are in temporary storage, access to some collections is not possible while access to most collections is more limited, so researchers interested in researching those collections are strongly encouraged to contact staff in advance of their visit to coordinate availability.    We encourage researchers and the public visiting the Des Moines Research Centers in person who would like access to State Archives or Special Collections materials to contact staff in advance and make an appointment at least five days in advance of their visit.     

Access to Collections Held in Iowa City.  The collection relocation from Iowa City to Des Moines as well as access to any public access to collections currently held within the Iowa City facility is on hold as of October 23, 2025 per a  Johnson County District Court temporary injunction issued on 10/23/2025.   For updates on collections transferred from Iowa City to Des Moines or to access our collections originally based in Iowa City but now in Des Moines, please visit our Iowa City Branch Website page.  

Fulfilling Your Request

After submitting the Reference Request Form our team will review your request and send an initial response within five business days. Because we receive a large volume of requests, it may be several weeks before we can respond to you. You will be notified if the information you are seeking cannot be found. Depending on the request’s complexity, you, or a representative on your behalf, may need to visit in person to conduct research.

  • Reference Fees – If your request requires extensive reference, additional charges may be incurred starting at $20.00. You will be provided with a cost estimate to approve prior to our staff beginning the work. Included in the fee are up to 10 complimentary photocopies and shipping.
    • View details about  copy and image reproduction pricing.
    • Heritage Circle Members receive a 10% discount on reference request services for Vital Record Statistic searches (Birth, Marriage, Death, Divorce) and Obituary searches at Iowa History Research Centers in Des Moines and Iowa City.  When you submit your reference request form please indicate you are a Heritage Circle member.  
    • The reference fee applies even if the information you are seeking cannot be found.
  • Additional Charges – Additional charges may be incurred if extra or specialized work is associated with your request including, but not limited to, more photocopies, photographs and document scans.
  • Payment – Do not send payment until you are requested to do so by the staff. All payments are required in advance before work begins on your request.

Staff are unable to fulfill a reference request in the following instances:

  • When release of information or materials are restricted by United States copyright, Federal or State law or donor agreements.
  • When qualified staff and/or equipment to reproduce the material(s) is not available.
  • When the condition of the material(s) is fragile.

Additional Services

Independent Researchers

Historical Library and Archives staff are not able to provide any general, complex or broad-based reference services.  To answer these types of questions, you should visit one of the Research Centers in person or consult the list of independent researchers. Any independent researcher agreement must be solely between you and the independent researcher.