Whether your ancestors were from this area, you are researching someone or something, or you own a historic home, our archive and volunteers can help
Our library has many books about Yarmouth and its history. You can search our bookshelves and archival holdings, including pamphlets here.
Our archive office has public wifi, a copy machine, scanner and air printer, so be sure to bring your laptop. Appointments are strongly suggested so we may gather the materials you need ahead of time and have someone available to assist you.
We have a large collection of digitized photographs and postcards, searchable at the Digital Commonwealth website. Included are houses, businesses, historic sites, individual portraits. Please click here to learn more about the collection and obtaining permission for use.
Do you have yarmouth ancestors?
Our library houses Yarmouth history books, family files, member submitted genealogies, diaries, maps, and much more. Our card catalog is cross referenced by family names.
You may find this list of helpful links useful in your research.
DIScover the story of your house
AND THOSE WHO LIVED THERE
Have you just moved to town and are curious about the charming old home that captivated you? Or live in a historic home and wondered about its history?
Our Archives feature a special Yarmouth Houses file, with information on most of the older homes in the town including information compiled for the National Register of Historic Places. Some historic homes in Yarmouth have been added to the MACRIS database, but our files may include additional information.
Local architectural styles are described in this document by HSOY member and architecture historian Gary Sachau.
Additionally, the Society has copies of historical maps from 1795, 1830, 1858, and 1880 and a Map Book containing copies of maps for each village from the oldest maps up to the present day.
Are you a researcher?
A partial list of our document collections, with some Finding Aids, may be found HERE.
Our archives are available to scholars and researchers by appointment. Appointments allow us time to gather the necessary reference materials for your search, along with a volunteer to assist. Please review our policies by clicking the blue button below then contact us to discuss arrangements.
If you have research questions, email us at info@hsoy.org
We do not currently charge for simple questions, but donations are always appreciated as they allow us to continue to protect and add to our collections.